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UlNIVtM&l  I  Y  Ul-  IN.O.  A  I   UMAKtL  MILL 


00032195428 

This  book  must  not 
be  taken  from  the 
Library  building. 


Form  No.  471 


^  'H-',.^i,v,.>«i,l 


»  . 


MEMOIRS 


OF 


ANDREW  JACKSON 


COMPILED 


BY  A  CITIZEN  OF  MASSACHUSETTS 


^jssmmms^  .ji^isis.g®s^« 


■(l^^^^r^^y^^^^^c^^  ^^==zzz:A^<:^'^^ 


MEMOIRS 


OF 


41?mElW  ^4QEg©lfs 


LA.TE 


MAJOR  GENERAL  AND  COMMANDER  IN  CKIEP 


SOUTHERN  DIVISION 


THE  ARMY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


COMPILED 
BY  A  CITIZEN  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


PHILADELPHIA. 

1848. 


DISTRICl"  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  to  mti 

District  Cltrk''s  Office. 

Be  tT  REMEMBERED,  That  OTi  the  twenty-seventh  daj  of  March,  .\. 
D.  1828,  in  the  fifty  second  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  Charles  Ewer,  of  the  said  district,  has  deposited  in 
this  office  the  title  of  a  book,  the  right  whereof  ho  claims  as  propri- 
etor   in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Memoirs  of  Andrew  Jackson,  late  Major-General  and  Commander 
in  Chief  of  the  Southern  Division  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States 
Compiled  by  a  Citizen  of  Massachusetts." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  enti- 
tled, "An  Act  for  tfie  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the 
eopies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of 
such  copies  during  tiie  times  therein  mentioned  ;"  and  also  to  an  act, 
entitled,  "An  Act  supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled.  An  Act  for  the 
encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts, 
and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the 
times  therein  mentioned  ;  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arta 
of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  other  prints  " 

JNO.  W.  UAVIS, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  jMassachustttt 


Printed  by  T.  K.  &  P.  G.  Collins. 


PREFACE. 


It  is  not  the  intention  of  the  compiler  of 
the  following  Memoirs  to  present  his  readers 
with  a  proL'x  preface,  because  it  constitutes 
that  portion  of  a  book,  which  is  seldom  hon- 
oured with  a  reading. 

When  high  party  feelings  were  fully  devel- 
oped, in  relation  to  a  presidential  candidate, 
the  engines  of  abuse,  brought  into  operation 
on  the  one  hana,  and,  on  tlie  other,  the  fulsome 
adulation  exhibited  towards  the  distinguished 
patriot,  whose  life  is  here  delineated,  induced 
the  compiler  to  undertake  an  investigation  of 
the  subject,  in  order  to  bring  to  light  a  true 
statement  of  facts. 

With  this  object  constantly  in  view,  there  has 
been  a  careful  examination  cf  the  official  doc- 


6  PREFACE. 

uments,  which  relate  to  his  public  acts.  His 
talents  as  a  military  commander,  as  a  civilian, 
and,  lastly,  his  moral  character,  are  open  to  the 
inspection  of  all. 

When  the  community  entertain  different 
views  of  the  conduct  or  motives  of  an  indi- 
vidual, who  has  acted  in  a  highly  responsible 
capacity,  it  is  exceedingly  difScult  to  concen- 
trate opinion,  by  presenting  a  series  of  truths. 
Prejudice  operates  with  peculiar  force  on  the 
minds  of  one  class,  wliile  the  other,  however 
well  convinced  of  their  error,  are  unwilling  to 
be  thought  inconsistent,  and,  therefore,  never 
acknowledge  the  falsity  of  the  course  of  rea 
soning  which  they  have  once  adopted. 

Although  this  compilation  has  been  attended 
with  consijderable  anxiety,  in  reducing  the  ma- 
terials to  an  orderly  arrangement,  a  hope  is 
mdulged  that  tlie  reader  will  admit,  from  a  can- 
did examination  of  the  whole,  that  the  intention 
has  not  been  to  make  the  work  subservient  to 


PREFACE, 


party  purposes  :  on  the  contrary,  it  is  intended 
to  be  a  plain  record  of  events  in  tlie  life  of  an 
illustrious  American  citizen. 

The  compiler  of  these  Memoirs  makes 
no  claim  to  novelty  or  originality.  He  hopes, 
notwithstanding,  that  they  will  not  be  found 
uninteresting.  It  has  been  his  aim  to  be 
stricdy  impartial.  The  materials  that  compose 
his  work  have  accordingly  been  derived  alike 
from  the  enemies  and  friends  of  the  hero, 
whose  pubL'c  and  private  character  he  has 
endeavoured  faithfully  to  delineate. 

Unaccustomed  to  eulogy,  and  unacquainted 
with  the  chicanery  of  political  life,  the  compiler 
submits  the  result  of  his  inquiries  to  the  impar- 
tial tribunal  of  the  public. 

S. 

Boston f  March  15,  1828. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 


His  birth,  parentage,  family,  and  education. — Engages 
in  the  American  Revolution,  and  is  shortly  after,  with 
his  brother,  made  a  prisoner. — Their  treatment  and  suf- 
ferings.— Commences  the  study  of  law. — His  removal 
to  the  Western  country. — Anecdote. — Becomes  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Tennessee  convention,  and  afterwards  a  sen- 
ator in  the  United  States'  congress. — Retires,  and  is  ap- 
pointed a  judge  of  the  state  courts. — Declaration  of 
war. — Tenders  the  services  of  2500  volunteers  to  the 
president. — Ordered  to  the  lower  country. — His  descent 
and  return,  and  discharge  of  the  troops.       .     .    .    p.  13. 

CHAPTER  U. 

Indian  preparation  for  hostilities. — Tecumseh  arrives 
amongst  the  southern  tribes  ;  his  intrigues. — Civil  wars 
of  the  Creeks. — Destruction  of,  and  butchery  at  Fort 
Mimms. — Expedition  against  the  Indians. — Jackson 
unites  with  th^  army,  and  enters  the  enemy's  country. — 
Scarcity  of  supplies  in  his  camp. — Learns  the  savages 
are  imbodied. — Seeks  to  form  a  junction  with  the  East 
Tennessee  division. — Detaches  General  Coffee  across 
tho  Coosa. — Battle  of  Tallushatchee p.  30 

CHAPTER  III. 

General  Jackson  endeavours  to  unite  with  the  East 
Tennessee  troops. — Establishment  of  Fort  Strother. — 
Learns  the  enemy  are  imbodied. — Marches  to  meet 
tbrm. — Battle  of  Talladega. — Is  compelled  to  return  to 
hi*  encampment,  for  want  of  supplies. — Anecdote. — Dis- 
ctNatents  of  his  army. — Militia  and  volunteers  mutiny-— 


10  CONTENTS. 

Address  to  the  officers. — Is  compelled  to  abandon  Fort 
Strothor. — Hillabee  clans  sue  for  j^cace. — Letter  from 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Blackburn. — Answer. — The  volunteers 
claim  to  be  discharged. — Mutiny. — Address  to  them. — 
General  Cocke  arrives  with  part  of  his  division. — Gene- 
ral Coffee's  brigade  petitions  for  a  discharge. — General 
Jackson's  answer. — They  abandon  the  service,  and  go 
home p.  50. 


CHAPTER  IV.  I 

Discontents  of  the  militia. — Governor  Blount  recom« 
mends  an  abandonment  of  the  service. — Jackson's  reply 
to  his  letter. — The  governor  takes  measures  for  bringing 
out  a  sufficient  force  — Conduct  of  General  Roberts. — 
His  brigade  retires  from  service. — Lieutenant  Kearley. — • 
Arrival  of  additional  forces. — Arrest  of  officers. — Expe- 
dition against  the  Indians. — His  motives. — Battle  of 
Emuokfaw. — General  Coffise  proceeds  to  destroy  the 
enemy's  fortilications. — Second  battle  of  Emuckfaw. — 
Troops  commence  their  return  march. — Ambuscade 
formed  by  the  Indians. — Battle  of  Enotichopco.    .    p.  82. 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  volunteers  are  discharged. — New  troops  arrive.— 
Execution  of  a  soldier,  and  the  effi2ct  produced. — Want 
of  supplies. — Mutiny  with  the  East  Tennessee  brigade.— 
General  Jackson  marches  against  the  Indians. — Battle 
of  Tohopeka. — Returns  to  Fort  Williams. — Expedition 
to  Hoithiewalee  ;  its  failure,  and  tlie  causes. — Forms  a 
jimction  with  the  Georgia  troops:,  and  proceeds  to  the 
Hickory  Ground. — Indians  sue  for  peace. — Wcatherford 
surrenders  himself. — Arrival  of  General  Pinckney  at 
head-quarters. — Tennessee    troops    are   ordered  to    bo 

arched  home,  and  discharged  from  service      .    p.  110 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Jackson  is  appointed  a  major-general  iii  the  service  of 
ihe  United  States. — Is  directed  to  open  a  negotiation 
A'ith  the  Indians. — Speech  of  the  Bijr  Warrior,  a  chief 
of  the  nation. — Concludes  a  treaty  with  the  Creek  la- 


CONTENTS.  11 

dians. — His  views  against  Pensacola  and  Florida. — Gen 
eral  Armstrong's  letter. — The  Spanish  governor  is  call- 
ed on  tor  an  explanation  of  his  conduct. — His  answer,  and 
General  Jackson's  reply. — The  adjutant-general  is  de- 
spatched to  Tennessee  to. raise  volunteers. — Jackson  sets 
out  for  Mobile. — Orders  the  Texuiessee  troops  to  ad 
Vance  to  his  assistance p.  141 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Colonel  Nicholls  arrives  at  Pensacola,  and  issues  a  proc- 
lamation to  the  southern  inhabitants. — Attack  on  Fort 
Bowyer,  and  loss  of  the  Hermes. — Jackson  determines  to 
reduce  Pensacola. — Demands  of  the  governor  an  explana 
tion  of  his  conduct;  his  answer. — Enters  and  takes  pos 
session  of  Pensacola. — Conduct  and  perfidy  of  the  gov 
ernor. — Destruction,  by  the  British,  of  Barrancas  Fort. — 
Our  troops  return  to  "^Mobile. — Expedition  against  the 
Indians. — General  Winchester  arrives,  and  Jackson  pro- 
ceeds to  take  command  of  New  Orleans.  ...    p.  171. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Jackson's  correspondence  with  the  governor  of  Louis- 
iana.— His  address  to  the  citizens. — Militia  from  Ten- 
nessee and  Kentucky  advance  ;  and  general  plans  adopt- 
ed for  defence. — Plan  for  filling  delinquencies  in  the 
army. — British  shipping  arrive  on  the  coast. — Loss  of 
the  Sea  Horse. — Battle  on  the  lake,  and  loss  of  the  gun- 
boats— Jackson  reviews  the  miUtia. — His  address  to 
them. — Detention  of  his  flag.— Anecdote. — Expresses 
sent  to  Generals  Coffee  and  Carroll. — Declaration  of 
martial  law  at  New  Orleans.— The  British  effect  a  land- 
ing, and  Jackson  prepares  to  meet  them.  ...    p.  15)7. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Ocneral  Jackson  concentrates  his  forces,  and  marches 
to  fight  the  enemy. — Alarms  of  the  city. — Anecdote. — 
Mode  of  attack,  and  battle  of  the  23d  of  December. — 
British  re-enforcements  arrive  during  the  action. — Ar- 
rival of  General  CarrolTs  division. — Our  army  retires 
from  the  field. — Effects  of  this  battle. — Jackson  est\blish- 


12  CONTENTS. 

es  a  line  of  defence. — General  Mortran  is  ordered  on  the 
fight  bank  of  the  Mississippi. — Destruction  and  loss  of 
the  Caroline  schooner, — Battle  of  the  28th  December. — 
Conduct  of  the  legislature  of  Louisiana;  their  delibera- 
tions suspended. — Scarcity  of  arms  in  the  American 
camp. — Colonel  Hinds p.  2*^ 


CHAPTER  X. 

Attack  of  the  1st  of  January. — General  Jackson's  line 
of  defence. — Kentucky  troops  arrive  at  head-quarters. — 
British  army  re-enforced;  their  preparations  for  attack. 
— Battle  of  the  8th  of  January,  and  repulse  of  the  ene- 
my.— American  redoubt  carried,  and  retaken. — Colonel 
Thornton  proceeds  against  General  Morgan's  line,  and 
takes  possession  of  it. — Letter  of  Captain  Wilkinson. — 
British  watchword. — Generous  conduct  of  the  American 
soldiers. — ^Morgan's  line  regained. — General  Lambert 
requests  a  suspension  of  hostilities. — Armistice  conclud- 
ed.— Execution  of  an  American  soldier  by  the  British. 

p.  270. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Bombardment  of  Fort  St.  Philip. — British  army  retire 
to  their  shipping. — General  Jackson,  with  his  troops,  re- 
turns to  New  Orleans. — Day  of  thanksgiving. — Reduc- 
tion of  Fort  Bowyer. — Legislature  of  Louisiana  re-com- 
mence their  session. — Discontents  fomented  among  the 
American  troops. — Arrest  of  Louaillier  ;  of  Judge  Hall. 
— Peace  announced. — General  Jackson  is  prosecuted  for 
contempt  of  court ;  his  appearance  in  court. — Speech  at 
the  coffee-house. — His  own  opinion  of  martial  law. — 
Troops  are  discharged,  and  the  general  returns  to  Nash- 
ville.— Reduction  of  the  army. — Jackson's  commission  as 
general  annulled. — Treaty  with  Spain. — He  is  appointed 
governor  of  the  Floridas. — Transactions  there. — His  re- 
signation.— He  is  appointed  m.nister  to  Mexico  ;  declines 
the  mission ;  his  reasons ;  is  elected  a  senator  of  the 
United  States ;  resigns  the  office. — His  person  and  char- 
acter,— Anecdotes. — Conclusion.      ...  p,  298. 


LIFE 


OP 


ANDREW   JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

flis  MHn,  parentage,  family,  and  education. —Engages  in  the 
Jmenxan  RtrJidion,  and  is  shortly  after,  until  his  brotmr 
made  a  piisoner.— Their  treatment  and  sufferings.— Comnences 
the  study  of  law.— His  removal  to  the  Western  country  —Anec- 
dote.—Becomes  a  member  of  the  Tennessee  Conveulion,  and 
afterwards  a  Senator  in  the  United  States'  Congress.— Re- 
tires,  and  is  appointed  a  Judge  of  tlie  Stnte  Courts.— De- 
claration of  war.— Tenders  the  services  of  2500  volunteers  to 
tJie  PresidetU.— Ordered  to  the  lower  country  .—His  descent,  and 
return,  and  discharge  of  the  troops. 

Andrew  Jackson  was  born  on  the  15th  day  of 
March,  1767.  His  father,  (Andrew,)  the  young- 
est son  of  his  family,  emigrated  to  America  from 
Ireland  during  the  year  1765,  bringing  with  him 
two  sons,  Hugh  and  Robert,  both  very  young. 
Landing  at  Charleston,  in  South  Carolina,  he  af- 
terwards purchased  a  tract  of  land,  in  what  was 
then  called  the  Waxsaw  settlement,  about  forty-five 
miles  above  Camden  ;  at  which  place  the  subject  of 
t.his  history  was  born.  Shortly  after  his  birth,  his 
father  died,  leaving  three  sons  to  be  provided  for 
by  their  mother.  She  appears  to  have  been  an 
exemplary  woman,  anL  to  have  executed  the  ar- 
duous duties  which  had  devolved  on  her,  with  great 
2 


14  L[FE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOX. 

faithfulness  and  success.  To  the  lessons  slie  irv 
culcated  on  the  youthful  minds  of  her  sons,  was 
no  doubt,  owing,  in  a  great  measure,  that  fixed  op- 
position to  British  oppression,  which  afterwards  so 
much  distinguished  them.  Often  would  she  spend 
the  winter's  evenings  in  recounting  to  them  the 
sufferings  of  their  grandfather  at  the  siege  of  Car- 
rickfergus,  and  the  oppression  exercised  by  the  no- 
bility of  Ireland  over  the  labouring  poor  ;  impres- 
smg  it  upon  them,  as  a  first  duty,  to  expend  their 
lives,  if  it  should  become  necessary,  in  defending 
and  supporting  the  rights  of  man. 

Inheriting  but  a  small  patrimony  from  their  fa- 
ther, it  was  impossible  that  all  the  sons  could  receive 
an  expensive  education.  The  two  eldest  were, 
therefore,  only  taught  the  rudiments  of  their  mother 
tongue,  at  a  common  country  school.  But  An- 
drew, being  mtended  by  his  mother  for  the  minis- 
try, was  sent  to  a  flourishing  academy  at  the  Wax- 
saw  meeting-house,  superintended  by  Mr.  Hum- 
phries. Here  ho  was  placed  on  the  study  of  the 
dead  languages,  and  continued  until  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  extending  it^  ravages  into  that  section 
of  South  Carolina  where  he  then  was,  rendered 
it  necessary  that  every  one  should  betake  himself 
to  the  American  standard,  seek  protection  with  the 
enemy,  or  flee  his  country.  It  was  not  an  alteN 
native  that  admitted  of  tedious  deliberation.  The 
natural  ardour  of  his  temper,  deriving  encourage- 
ment from  the  '  recommendations  of  his  mother, 
whose  feelings  were  excited  by  those  sentiments  in 
favour  of  liberty,  with  which,  by  her  conversation, 
his  mind  had  been  early  imbued,  quickly  deter 
mined  him  in  the  course  to  be  pursued  ;  and,  at  the 
tender  age  of  fourteen,  accompanied  by  his  brother 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  15 

Robert,  he  hastened  to  the  American  camp,  and 
engaged  actively  in  the  service  of  liis  country. 
His  eldest  brother,  who  had  previously  joined  tlie 
army,  had  lost  his  life  at  the  battle  of  Stono,  from 
^he  excessive  heat  of  the  weather,  and  the  fatigues 
)f  the  day. 

Both  Andrew  and  Robert  were,  at  this  period, 
oretty  well  acquainted  with  the  manual  exercise, 
ind  had  some  idea  of  the  different  evolutions  of 
Ihe  field,  having  been  indulged  by  their  mother  in 
attending  the  drill  and  general  musters  of  the 
neighbourhood. 

The  Americans  being  unequal,  as  well  from  the 
inferiority  of  their  numbers,  as  their  discipline,  to 
engage  the  British  army  in  battle,  had  retired  bC' 
fore  it  into  the  interior  of  North  Carolina;  but, 
when  they  learned  that  Lord  Cornwallis  had  cross- 
ed the  Yadkin,  they  returned  in  small  detach- 
ments to  their  native  state.  On  their  arrival,  they 
found  Lord  Rawdon  in  possession  of  Camden,  and 
the  whole  country  around  in  a  state  of  desolation. 
The  British  commander  being  advised  of  the  re- 
turn of  the  settlers  of  VVaxsaw,  Major  Coffin  was 
immediately  despatched  thither,  with  a  corps  of 
light  dragoons,  a  company  of  infantry,  and  a  con- 
siderable number  of  tories,  for  their  capture  and 
destruction.  Hearing  of  their  approach,  the  set- 
tlers, without  delay,  appointed  the  Waxsaw  meet- 
ing-house as  a  place  of  rendezvous,  that  they  might 
the  better  collect  their  scattered  strength,  and  con- 
cert some  system  of  operations.  About  forty  of 
them  had  accordingly  assembled  at  this  point,  when 
the  enemy  approached,  keeping  the  tories,  who  were 
dressed  in  the  common  garb  of  the  country,  in  front, 
whereby  this  little  band  of  patriots  was  completely 


16  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

deceived,  having  taken  them  for  Captain  Nis- 
bet's  company,  in  expectation  of  which  they  had 
been  waiting.  Eleven  of  them  were  taken  prison 
ers  ;  the  rest  with  difficulty  fled,  betaking  them 
selves  to  the  woods  for  concealment.  Of  those 
who  thus  escaped,  though  closely  pursued,  were 
Andrew  Jackson  and  his  brother,  who,  entering  a 
secret  bend  in  a  creek,  that  was  close  at  hand, 
obtained  a  momentary  respite  from  danger,  and 
avoided,  for  the  night,  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 
The  next  day,  however,  having  gone  to  a  neigh- 
bouring house,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  some- 
thing to  eat,  they  were  broken  in  upon,  and  made 
prisoners,  by  Coffin's  dragoons,  and  a  party  of  to- 
ries  who  accompanied  them.  Those  young  men, 
with  a  view  to  security,  had  placed  tlieir  horses  in 
the  wood,  on  the  margin  of  a  small  creek,  and  post- 
ed, on  the  ro'ad  which  led  by  the  house,  a  senti- 
nel, that  they  might  have  information  of  any  ap- 
proach, and  in  time  to  be  able  to  elude  it.  But 
the  tories,  who  were  weU  acquainted  with  the  coun- 
try and  the  passes  through  the  forest,  had,  unfortu- 
nately, passed  the  creek  at  the  very  point  where 
the  horses  and  baggage  of  our  young  soldiers  were 
deposited,  and  taken  possession  of  them.  Having 
done  this,  they  approached,  cautiously,  the  house, 
and  were  almost  at  the  door  before  they  were  dis- 
covered. To  escape  was  impossible,  and  both 
were  made  prisoners.  Being  placed  under  guard, 
Andrew  was  ordered,  in  a  very  imperious  tone,  by  a 
British  officer,  to  clean  his  boots.  Tiiis  order  he 
positively  and  peremptorily  refused  to  obey  ;  aileg 
ing  that  he  looked  for  such  treatment  as  a  pris 
oner  of  war  had  a  right  to  expect.  Incensed  at 
his  refusal,  the  officer  aimed  a  blow  at  his  head 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  17 

with  a  drawn  sword,  which  would,  very  probably 
have  terminated  his  existence,  had  he  not  parried 
its  eirects  by  throwing  up  his  left  hand,  on  which 
he  received  a  severe  wound,  the  mark  of  which  he 
bears  to  this  hour.  His  brother,  at  the  same  time, 
for  a  similar  offence,  received  a  deep  cut  on  the 
head,  which  subsequently  occasioned  his  death. 
They  were  both  now  taken  to  jail,  where,  sepa  • 
rated  and  confined,  they  were  treated  with  marked 
severity,  until  a  few  days  after  the  battle  before 
Camden,  when,  in  consequence  of  a  partial  ex- 
change, effected  by  the  intercessions  and  exer- 
tions of  their  mother,  and  Captain  Walker,  of  the 
militia,  they  were  both  released  from  confinement, 
Robert,  during  his  confinement  in  prison,  had  suf- 
fered greatly  ;  the  wound  on  his  head,  all  this  time, 
having  never  been  dressed,  was  followed  by  an  in- 
flammation of  the  brain,  which,  in  a  few  days  after 
his  liberation,  brought  him  to  the  grave.  To  add 
to  the  afflictions  of  Andrew,  his  mother,  worn 
down  by  grief,  and  her  incessant  exertions  to  pro 
vide  clothing  and  other  comforts  for  the  sufferino- 
prisoners,  who  had  been  taken  from  her  neigh- 
bourhood, expired  in  a  few  weeks  after  her  son, 
near  the  lines  of  the  enemy,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Charleston.  Andrew,  the  last  and  only  surviving 
child,  confined  to  a  bed  of  sickness,  occasioned  by 
the  sufferings  he  had  been  compelled  to  undergo 
whilst  a  prisoner,  and  by  getting  wet,  on  his  return 
from  captivity,  was  thus  left  in  the  wide  world, 
without  a  human  being  with  whom  he  could  claim 
a  near  relationship.  The  small  pox,  about  the 
aame  time,  havmg  made  its  appearance  upon  him, 
had  well  nigh  terminated  his  sorrows  and  his  ex 
istence. 

2* 


18  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

Having  at  length  recovered  from  his  compli- 
cated afflictions,  he  entered  upon  the  enjoyment 
of  his  estate,  which,  although  small,  would  have 
been  sufficient,  under  prudent  management,  to  have 
completed  his  education,  on  the  liberal  scale  which 
his  mother  had  designed.  Unfortunately,  however, 
he,  like  too  many  young  men,  sacrificing  future 
prospects  to  present  gratification,  expended  it  with 
rather  too  profuse  a  hand.  Foreseeing  that  he 
should  be  finally  obliged  to  rely  on  his  own  ex- 
ertions, for  support  and  success  in  life,  he  again 
betook  himself  to  his  studies  with  increased  in- 
dustry. He  recommenced  under  Mr.  M'Culloch, 
in  that  part  of  Carolina  which  was  then  called  the 
New  Acquisition,  near  Hill's  iron  works.  Here 
he  revised  tiie  languages,  devoting  a  portion  of  his 
time  to  a  desultory  course  of  studies. 

His  education  being  now  completed,  so  far  as 
his  wasted  pairiraony,  and  the  limited  opportum- 
ties  then  afforded  in  that  section  of  the  country, 
would  permit,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  he  turned  his 
attention  to  acquiring  a  profession,  and  in  preparing 
himself  to  enter  on  the  busy  scenes  of  life.  The 
pulpit,  for  which  he  had  been  designed  by  his 
mother,  was  now  abandoned  for  the  bar;  and,  in 
the  winter  of  1784,  he  repaired  to  Salisbury,  in 
North  Carolina,  and  commenced  the  study  of  lav/ 
under  Spruce  M'Cay,  Esq.,  (afterwards  one  of  the 
judges  of  tliat  state,)  and  subsequently  continued  it 
under  Colonel  John  Stokes.  Having  remained  at 
Salisuury  until  the  winter  of  1786,  he  obtained  a 
license  from  the  judges  to  practise  law,  and  con- 
tinued in  the  state  until  the  spring  of  1788. 

The  western  parts  of  the  state  of  Tennessee 
were,  about  this  time,  often  spoken  of,  as  presenting 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  19 

flattering  prospects  to  adventurers.  He  imme- 
diately determined  to  accompany  Judge  M'Nairy 
thither,  who  had  been  appointed,  and  was  going 
out  to  hold  the  first  supreme  court  that  had  ever 
sat  in  the  state.  Having  reached  the  Holston,  they 
ascertained  it  would  be  impossible  to  arrive  at  the 
time  appointed  for  the  session  of  the  court ;  and 
therefore  determined  to  remain  in  that  section  of 
country  until  fall.  They  reached  Nashville  in  Oc- 
tober. It  had  not  been  Jackson  s  intention,  certain- 
ly, to  make  Tennessee  the  place  of  his  future  resi- 
dence ;  his  visit  was  merely  experimental,  and  his 
Btay  remained  to  be  determined  by  the  advantages 
that  might  be  disclosed  ;  but  finding,  soon  after  his 
arrival,  that  a  considerable  opening  was  offered  for 
the  success  of  a  young  attorney,  he  determined  to 
remain,  though  the  prospect  before  him  was,  cer- 
tainly, not  of  an  encouraging  cast.  As  in  all  newly 
settled  countries  must  be  the  case,  society  was 
loosely  formed,  and  united  by  but  few  of  those  ties 
which  have  a  tendency  to  enforce  the  performance 
of  moral  duty,  and  the  right  execution  of  justice. 
The  young  men  of  the  place,  adventurers  from  dif- 
ferent sections  of  the  country,  had  become  indebted 
to  the  merchants;  there  was  but  one  lawyer  in 
the  country,  and  they  had  so  contrived,  as  to  retain 
him  in  their  business ;  the  consequence  was,  that 
the  merchants  were  entirely  deprived  of  the  means 
of  enforcing  against  those  gentlemen  the  execu- 
tion of  their  contracts.  In  this  state  of  things  Jack- 
son made  his  appearance  at  Nashville,  and  while 
the  creditor  class  looked  to  it  with  great  satis- 
faction, the  debtors  were  sorely  displeased.  Appli- 
cations were  immediately  made  to  him  for  his  pro- 
fessional services^  and  on  the  morning   afler  his 


20  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

arrival  he  issued  seventy  writs.  To  those  prodi- 
gal gentlemen,  it  was  an  alarming  circumstance ; 
their  former  security  was  impaired ;  but,  that  it 
might  not  wholly  depart,  they  determined  to  force 
him,  in  some  way  or  other,  to  leave  the  country ; 
and,  to  effect  this,  broils  and  quarrels  with  him 
were  to  be  resorted  to.  This,  however,  was  soon 
abandoned,  satisfied  by  the  first  controversy  in 
which  they  had  involved  him,  that  his  decision  and 
firmness  were  such  as  to  leave  no  hope  of  effecting 
any  thing  through  this  channel.  Disregarding  the 
opposition  raised  to  him,  he  continued,  with  care 
and  industry,  to  press  forward  in  his  professional 
course,  and  his  attention  soon  brought  hhn  forward, 
and  introduced  him  to  a  profitable  practice.  He 
was  [subsequently  appointed  attorney-general  for 
the  district,  in  which  capacity  he  continued  to  act 
for  several  years. 

Indian  depredations  being  then  frequent  on  the 
Cumberland,  every  man,  of  necessity,  became  a 
soldier.  Unassisted  by  the  government,  the  set- 
tlers were  forced  to  rely  for  security  on  their  own 
bravery  and  exertions.  Although  young,  no  per- 
son was  more  distinguished  than  Andrew  Jack- 
son, in  defending  the  country  against  these  preda- 
tory incursions  of  the  savages,  who  continually 
harassed  the  frontiers,  and  not  unfrequently  ap- 
proached the  heart  of  the  settlements,  which  were 
thin,  but  not  widely  extended.  He  aided  alike  in 
garrisoning  the  forts,  and  in  pursuing  and  chastis- 
ing the  enemy. 

In  the  year  1796,  having,  by  his  patriotism,  firm- 
ness, and  talents,  secured  to  himself  a  distinguished 
standing,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the  members  of  the 
convention  for  establishmjr  a  constitution  for  the 


MFE  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON.        SI 

State.  His  good  conduct  and  zeal  broiight  him 
more  prominently  to  view;  and,  without  proposing 
or  soliciting,  he  was,  in  the  same  year,  elected  a 
member  of  the  house  of  representatives,  in  con- 
gress, for  the  state  of  Tennessee.  The  following 
year,  his  reputation  continuing  to  increase,  he  was 
chosen  a  senator  of  the  United  States'  congress, 
and  took  his  seat  on  the  22d  day  of  November, 
1797.  About  the  middle  of  April,  business  of  an 
important  and  private  nature  imposed  on  him  the 
necessity  of  asking  leave  of  absence,  and  return- 
ing home.  Leave  was  granted,  and  before  the 
next  session  he  resigned  his  seat.  He  was  but 
a  little  more  than  thirty  years  of  age,  and  hence, 
scarcely  eligible,  by  the  constitution,  at  the  time 
he  was  elected.  The  sedition  law  was  introduced 
into  the  senate,  by  Mr.  Lloyd,  of  Maryland,  in 
June,  and  passed  that  body  on  the  4th  of  July  fol- 
lowing ;  hence  the  name  of  Jackson,  owing  to  the 
leave  of  absence  which  had  been  granted  him  in 
April,  does  not  appear  on  the  journals.  On  the 
alien  law,  however,  and  the  effort  to  repeal  the 
stamp  act,  he  was  present,  resting  in  the  minority. 

The  state  of  Tennessee,  on  its  admission  into 
the  Union,  comprising  but  one  military  division, 
and  General  Conway,  who  commanded  it,  as  major- 
general,  dying  about  this  time,  Jackson,  without 
being  consulted  on  the  subject,  was,  as  the  con- 
stitution of  the  state  directs,  chosen  by  the  field 
officers  to  succeed  him  ;  which  appointment  he  con- 
tinued td  hold  until  May,  1814,  when  he  was  con 
stituted  a  major-general  in  the  United  States'  ser- 
vice. 

Becoming  tired  of  political  life,  for  the  intrigues 
of  which  he  declared  himself  unqualified,  and  hav- 


22  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

ing  for  two  years  voted  in  the  minority  in  congres.3, 
lie  resigned,  after  tlie  first  session,  his  seat  in  tjie 
senate.  To  this  measure  he  was  strongly  in- 
duced, from  a  desire  to  make  way  for  General 
Smith,  who,  he  conjectured,  would,  in  tliat  capaci- 
ty, be  able  to  render  more  important  services  to  the 
g-overnment  than  himself.  His  country,  unwilling 
that  his  talents  should  remain  inactive  and  unem- 
ployed, again  demanded  his  services.  Immediate- 
ly after  his  resignation,  he  was  appointed  one  of 
the  judges  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  state.  Ho 
advanced  to  the  office  with  reluctance,  and  in  a  short 
time  resigned,  leaving  it  open  for  those,  who,  he 
believed,  were  better  qualified  than  himself,  to  dis- 
charge its  intricate  and  i.tiportant  duties.  Unam- 
bitious of  those  distinctions  and  honours  which 
young  mep  are  usually  proud  to  possess  ;  finding, 
too,  that  his.  circumstances  and  condition  in  life 
were  not  such  as  to  permit  his  time  and  attention 
to  be  devoted  to  public  matters,  he  determined  to 
yield  them  into  others'  hands,  and  to  devote  him- 
self to  agricultural  pursuits  ;  and  accordingly  set- 
tled himself  on  an  excellent  farm,  ten  miles  from 
Nashville,  on  the  Cumberland  river ;  where,  for 
several  years,  he  enjoyed  all  the  comforts  of  do- 
mestic and  social  intercourse.  Abstracted  from 
the  busy  scenes  of  public  life,  pleased  witii  retire- 
ment, surrounded  by  friends  whom  he  loved,  and 
who  entertamed  for  him  the  highest  veneration 
and  respect,  and  blessed  with  an  amiable  and  affec- 
tionate consort,  nothing  seemed  wanting  to*  the  com- 
pletion of  that  happiness  which  he  so  anxiously 
desired  whilst  in  office. 

Great   Britain,   by   multiplied    outrages    on    our 
rights,  as  an  independent  njid  neutral  nation,  liaa 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  23 

provoked  from  our  government  a  declaration  of  war 
against  her.  This  measure,  though  founded  in 
abundant  cause,  had  been  long  forborne,  and  ev- 
ery attempt  at  reconciliation  made,  without  effect ; 
when,  at  length,  it  was  resorted  to,  as  the  only  al- 
ternative that  could  preserve  the  honour  and  dig- 
nity of  the  nation,  General  Jackson,  ever  devoted  to 
the  interests  of  his  country,  frcm  the  moment  of 
the  declaration,  knew  no  wish  so  strong  as  that 
of  entering  into  her  service,  against  a  power, 
which,  independent  of  public  considerations,  lie 
had  many  private  reasons  for  disliking.  In  her, 
he  could  trace  sufferings  and  injuries  received, 
and  the  efficient  cause,  why,  in  early  life,  he  had 
been  left  forlorn  and  wretched,  without  a  single 
relation  in  the  world.  His  proud  and  inflexible 
mind,  however,  could  not  venture  to  solicit  an  ap- 
pointment in  the  army,  which  was  about  to  be  rais- 
ed. He  accordingly  remamed  wholly  unknown^ 
until,  at  the  head  of  the  militia,  employed  against 
the  Creek  Indians,  his  constant  vigilance,  and  the 
splendour  of  his  victories,  apprized  the  general 
government  of  those  great  military  talents  which 
he  so  eminently  possessed,  and  conspicuously  dis- 
played, when  opportunities  for  exerting  them  were 
afforded. 

The  acts  of  congress  of  the  6th  of  Februj ry, 
and  July,  1812,  afforded  the  means  of  bringing  in 
to  view  a  display  of  those  powers,  which,  being 
unKnown,  under  other  circumstances,  unfortunate 
ly,  might  have  slumbered  in  inaction.  Under  tho 
authority  of  these  acts,  authorizing  the  president 
to  accept  the  services  of  fifty  thousand  volunteers, 
he  addressed  the  citizens  of  his  division,  and 
twenty- five   hundred   flocked  to  his  standard.     A 


24  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

lender  of  them  having  been  made,  and  llie  offer  ac- 
cepted, in  November  he  received  orders  to  place 
himself  at  their  head  and  to  descend  the  Missis- 
sippi, for  the  defence  of  tlie  lower  country,  which 
was  then  supposed  to  be  in  danger.  On  the  lOth 
of  December,  those  troops  rendezvoused  at  Nash- 
ville, prepared  to  advance  to  the  place  of  their  des- 
tination; and,  although  the  weather  was  then  ex- 
cessively severe,  and  the  ground  covered  with 
snow,  no  troops  could  have  displayed  greater  firm- 
ness. The  general  was  every  where  with  them,  in- 
spiring them  with  the  ardour  that  animated  his 
cwn  bosom. 

Having  procured  supplies,  and  made  the  necessa- 
ry arrangements  for  an  active  campaign,  they  pro- 
ceeded, the  7th  of  January,  on  their  journey ;  and, 
descending  ^the  Ohio  and  Mississippi,  through  cold 
and  ice,  arrived,  and  halted  at  Natchez.  Here 
Jackson  had  been  instructed  to  remain,  until  he 
should  receive  further  orders.  Havingf  chosen  a 
healthy  site  for  the  encampment  of  his  troops, 
about  two  miles  from  Washington,  he  devoted  his 
time,  w^ith  the  utmost  industry,  to  training  and  pre- 
paring them  for  active  service.  The  clouds  of 
war,  however,  in  that  quarter,  having  blown  over, 
an  order  was  received  from  the  secretary  of  war, 
dated  the  5th  of  January,  directing  him,  on  the  re- 
ceipt thereof,  to  dismiss  those  under  his  command 
from  service,  and  to  take  measures  for  delivering 
over  every  article  of  public  property,  in  his  pos 
session,  to  Brigadier-General  Wilkinson.  When 
this  order  reached  his  camp,  there  were  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  on  the  sick  report,  fifty-six  of  whom 
were  unable  to  raise  tlieir  heads,  and  almost  the 
whole  of  tliem  destitute  of  the  means  of  defrav- 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON.  25 

ing  the  expens-es  of  their  return.  The  consequence 
of  a  strict  compliance  with  the  secretary's  or- 
der inevitably  would  have  been,  that  many  of  the 
sick  must  have  perished,  whilst  most  of  the  others, 
from  their  destitute  condition,  would,  of  necessity, 
have  been  compelled  to  enlist  in  the  regular  army, 
under  General  Wilkinson.  Such  alternatives  were 
neither  congenial  with  their  general's  wishes,  nor 
silfch  as  they  had  expected,  on  adventuring  with 
him  in  the  service  of  their  country ;  he  had  carried 
them  from  home,  and,  the  fate  of  war  and  disease 
apart,  it  was  his  duty,  he  believed,  to  bring  them 
back.  To  have  abandoned  them,  therefore,  at 
such  a  time,  and  under  such  circumstances,  would 
have  drawn  on  him  the  merited  censure  of  the 
most  deserving  part  of  his  fellow-citizens,  and  sen- 
sibly wounded  his  own  generous  feelings.  Add  to 
this,  those  young  men  who  were  confined  by  sick- 
ness, learning  the  nature  of  the  order  he  had  re- 
ceived^ implored  him,  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  not 
to  abandon  them  in  so  great  an  extremity,  remind- 
ing him,  at  the  same  time,  of  his  assurances,  that 
he  would  be  to  them  as  a  father,  and  of  the  im- 
plicit confidence  they  had  placed  in  his  word.  This 
was  an  appeal,  which  it  would  have  been  difficult 
for  the  feelings  of  Jackson  to  have  resisted,  had  it 
been  without  the  support  of  other  weighty  consid- 
erations ;  but,  influenced  by  them  all,  he  had  no 
hesitation  in  coming  to  a  determination. 

Having  made  knov/n  his  resolution  to  the  field- 
officers  of  his  division,  it  met,  apparently,  their  ap- 
probation ;  but,  after  retiring  from  his  presence, 
they  assembled  late  at  night,  in  secret  caucus,  and 
proceeded  to  recommend  to  him  an  abandonment 
of  his  purpose,  and  an  immediate  discharge  of  bis 
3 


26  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

troops.  Great  as  was  the  astonishment,  which  this 
measure  excited  in  the  genera!,  it  produced  a  still 
higher  sentiment  of  indignation.  In  reply,  he  urg- 
ed the  duplicity  of  their  conduct,  and  reminded 
them,  that,  although,  to  those  who  possessed  funds 
and  health,  such  a  course  could  produce  no  incon- 
venience, yet  to  the  unfortunate  soldier,  who  was 
alike  destitute  of  both,  no  measure  could  be  more 
calamitous.  He  concluded  by  telling  them,  th»t 
his  resolution,  not  having  been  hastily  concluded 
on,  nor  bottomed  on  light  considerations,  was  un- 
alterably fixed ;  and  that  immediate  preparations 
must  be  made  for  carrying  into  execution  the  de- 
termination he  had  formed. 

He  lost  no  time  in  making  known  to  the  sec- 
retary of  war  the  resolution  he  had  adopted ;  to 
disregard  the  order  he  had  given,  and  to  return  his 
army  to  the*  place  where  he  had  received  it.  He 
painted  in  strong  terms  the  evils  which  the  course 
pursued  by  the  government  was  calculated  to  pro- 
duce, and  expressed  the  astonishment  he  felt,  that 
it  should  have  originated  with  the  famous  author 
of  the  "Newburg  Letters,"  the  once  redoubted 
advocate  of  soldiers'  rights. 

General  Wilkinson,  to  whom  the  public  proper- 
ty was  directed  to  be  delivered,  learning  the  de- 
termination which  had  been  taken  by  Jackson,  to 
march  his  troops  back,  and  to  take  with  them  so 
much  of  that  property  as  should  be  necessary  to 
their  return,  in  a  letter  of  solemn  and  mysterioua 
import,  admonished  him  of  the  consequences  which 
were  before  him,  and  of  the  awful  and  dangerous 
responsibility  he  was  taking  on  himself,  by  so  bold 
a  measure.  General  Jackson  replied,  that  his  con- 
duct, and  the  consequences  to  which  it  might  lead. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  27 

had  teen  well  considered,  and  that  he  was  prepared 
to  abide  the  result,  whatever  it  might  be.  Wilkin- 
son had  previously  given  orders  to  his  officers  to 
recruit  from  Jackson's  army  ;  they  were  advised, 
however,  on  their  first  appearance,  that  those  troops 
were  already  in  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
and  that,  thus  situated,  they  should  not  be  enlisted  ; 
and  that  he  would  arrest  and  confine  the  first  offi- 
c'er  who  dared  to  enter  his  encampment  with  any 
such  object  in  view. 

The    quarter-master,    having    been   ordered   tc 
furnish  the   necessary  transportation  for  the  con 
veyance  of  the  sick  and  the  baggage  to  Tennes 
see,  immediately  set  about  the  performance  of  the 
task ;  but,  as  tlie  event  proved,  with  not  the  least 
intention  of  executing  it.     StUl,   he   continued  to 
keep  up  the  semblance  of  exertion ;  and,  the  bet- 
ter to  deceive,  the  very  day  before  that  which  had 
been  appointed  for  breaking   up  the  encampment, 
and  commencing  the  return  march,  eleven  wagons 
arrived  there  by  his   order.     The   next  mormng, 
however,  when  every  thing  was  about  to  be  packed 
up,  acting  doubtless  from  orders,  and  intendmg  to 
produce  embarrassment,  the  quarter-master  entered 
the  encampment,  and  discharged  the  whole.     He 
was  grossly  mistaken  in  the  man  he  had  to   deal 
with,  and  had  now  played  his  tricks  too  far  to  be 
able  to  accomplish  the   object  which  he  had,  no 
doubt,   been    instructed   to   effect.      Disregardmg 
their  dismissal,  so  evidently   designed  to   prevent, 
his  marching  back  his  men.  General  Jackson  seiz- 
ed upon  these  wagons,  yet  within  his  lines,  and  com- 
pelled them  to  proceed  to  the  transportation  of  hia 
sick.     It  deserves  to  be  recollected,  that  this  quar- 
ter-master, so  soon  as  he  received  directions  for 


V^  LIFE    OF    G£^EKAI  C KSO^. 

furnishing  transportation,  liad  despatched  an  ex- 
press to  General  Wilkinson ;  and  there  can  be  but 
little  doubt,  that  the  course  of  duplicity  he  after- 
wards pursued,  was  a  concerted  plan  between  him 
and  that  general,  to  defeat  the  design  of  Jackson ; 
compel  him  to  abandon  the  course  he  had  adopted ; 
and,  in  this  way,  draw  to  the  regular  army  many 
of  the  soldiers,  who,  from  necessity,  would  be  driv- 
en to  enlist.  In  this  attempt  they  were  fortunately 
disappointed.  Adhering  to  his  original  purpose 
he  successfully  resisted  every  stratagem  of  Wilkin- 
son, and  marched  the  whole  of  his  division  to  the 
section  of  country  whence  they  had  been  drawn, 
and  dismissed  them  from  service,  as  he  had  beea 
instructed. 

To  present  an  example  that  might  buoy  up  the 
sinking  spirij;s  of  his  troops  in  the  arduous  march, 
he  yielded  up  his  horses  to  the  sick,  and,  trudging 
on  foot,  encountered  all  the  hELrdships  that  were 
met  by  the  soldiers.  It  was  at  s,  t'me  cf  the  yeai, 
when  the  roads  were  extremely  bad,  and  the 
swamps,  lying  in  their  passage,  deep  and  full ;  yet, 
under  these  circumstances,  he  placed  before  his 
troops  an  example  of  patience  and  hardship,  that 
lulled  to  silence  all  complaints,  and  won  to  him, 
still  stronger  than  before,  the  esteem  and  respect 
of  every  one.  On  arriving  at  Nashville,  he  com- 
municated to  the  president  of  the  United  States 
the  course  he  had  pursued,  and  the  reasons  that 
had  induced  it.  If  it  had  become  necessary,  he 
had  sufficient  grounds  on  which  he  could  liave  jus- 
tified his  conduct.  Had  he  suffered  General  Wil- 
kinson to  have  accomplished  what  was  clearly  his 
intention,  although  it  was  an  event  which  might, 
at  the  moment,  ha^e  benefited  the  service,  by  add- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOJf.  99 

mg  an  increased  strength  to  the  army,  yet  the  ex- 
ample would  have  been  of  so  serious  and  excep- 
tionable a  character,  that  injury  would  have  been 
the  final  and  unavoidable  result.  His  conduct,  ter 
rible  as  it  first  appeared,  was  in  the  end  approved, 
and  the  expenses  incurred  directed  to  be  paid  by 
Ihe  government. 
3* 


90  LIFE     OF    GE>'ERAL    JACKSON 


CHAPTER  II. 

Indian  preparati/m  for  hostilities. —  Tecnmseh  arrives  amongst  the 
southern  tribes ;  his  inlrigties. — Civil  wars  of  the  Creeks. — De- 
struction of,  and  butchery  at  Fort  Minims. — Expedition  against 
the  Imiians. — Jackson  unites  with  the  army,  and  eiiters  the  ene- 
m.y's  country. — Scarcity  of  supplies  in  his  camp. — Learns  tlie 
savages  are  imbodied. — Seeks  to  form  a  Junction  with  the  East 
Tennessee  division. — DetacJies  General  Coffee  across  the  Coosa. 
— Battle  of  Talluslmtchee. 

The  volunteers,  who  had  descended  the  river, 
having  been  discharged  early  in  May,  there  was 
little  expectation  that  they  would  again  be  called 
for.  Tennessee  was  too  remotely  situated  in  the 
interior  of  the  country  to  expect  their  services 
would  be  required  for  her  defence,  and  hitherto 
the  British  had  discovered  no  serious  intention  of 
waging  operations  against  any  part  of  Louisiana. 
Their  repose,  however,  was  not  of  long  duration. 
The  Creek  Indians,  inhabiting  the  country  lying 
between  the  Chatahochee  and  Tombigbee,  and  ex- 
tending from  the  Tennessee  River  to  the  Florida 
line,  had  lately  manifested  strong  symptoms  of 
hostility  towards  the  United  States,  from  which 
they  had  received  yearly  pensions,  and  every  as- 
sistance which  the  most  liberal  policy  could  bestow. 
This  disposition  was  greatly  strengthened,  through 
means  used  by  the  northern  Indians,  who  were 
then  making  preparations  for  a  war  against  the 
United  States,  and  who  wished  to  engage  the 
southern  tribes  in  the  same  enterprise. 

An  artful  impostor  had,  about  this  time,  sprung 
up  amongst  the  Shawnees,  who,  by  passing  for  u 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL   JACKSON".  31 

prophet,  commissioned  by  the  "  Great  Spirit"  to 
communicate  his  mandates  to  his  red  children,  had 
acquired,  among  his  own  and  the  neighbouring' 
tribes,  astonishing  influence.  Clothed,  as  thoy  be- 
lieved him  to  be,  with  such  high  powers,  they  lis- 
tened to  his  extravagant  doctrines,  and  in  them  fully 
confided.  He  succeeded  in  kindling  a  rage  against 
the  Anglo-Americans,  which  soon  after  burst  forth 
in  acts  of  destructive  violence.  His  brother,  Te- 
cumseh,  who  became  so  famous  during  the  war,  and 
who  was  killed  subsequently,  at  the  battle  of  the 
Thames,  was  despatched  to  the  southern  tribes,  to 
excite  in  thera  the  same  temper.  To  the  Creeks, 
by  far  the  most  numerous  and  powerful,  he  directed 
his  principal  attention.  Having  entered  their  na- 
tion, some  time  in  the  spring  of  1812,  he  repaired 
to  Tookaubatcha,  where  he  had  repeated  confer- 
ences with  the  chiefs;  but,  not  meeting  with  the 
encouragement  he  expected,  returned  to  the  Ala- 
bama, which  he  had  previously  visited,  and  there 
commenced  operations. 

Finding  there  several  leaders  of  great  influence, 
who  entered  into  his  views,  he  was  enabled  to  carry 
on  his  schemes  with  greater  success.  Deriving  his 
powers  from  his  brother,  the  Prophet,  whose  extra- 
ordinary commission  and  endowments  were  well 
understood  by  all  the  neighbouring  tribes  in  the 
south,  bis  authority  was  regarded  with  the  highest 
veneration.  He  strongly  interdicted  all  intercourse 
v/ith  the  whites,  and  prevailed  on  the  greater  part 
of  the  Alabama  Indians  to  throw  aside  the  imple- 
ments and  clothing  which  that  intercourse  had  fur- 
nished, and  return  again  to  their  savage  state,  from 
which  he  represented  them  as  highly  culpable  for 
having  sufiered  themselves  to  be   estranged.     In 


32  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

a  word,  no  means  were  left  untried  to  excite  tliem 
to  the  most  deadly  animosity  and  cruel  war.  To 
afford  additional  weight  to  his  councils,  this  de- 
signing missionary  gave  assurances  of  aid  and  sup- 
port from  Great  Britain;  whose  power  and  riches 
he  represented  as  almost  without  limits,  and  quite 
Bufficient  for  the  subjugation  of  the  United  States. 
So  considerable  an  influence  did  his  intrigues  and 
discourses  obtain  over  the  minds  of  many,  that  it 
was  with  difficulty  the  most  turbulent  of  them  could 
be  restrained  from  running  immediately  to  arms, 
and  committing  depredations  on  the  exposed  fron- 
tiers. This  hasty  measure,  however,  he  represent- 
ed as  calculated  to  defeat  the  great  plan  of  opera- 
tions which  he  was  labouring  to  concert ;  and  en- 
joined the  utmost  secrecy  and  quietness,  until  tlie 
moment  should  arrive,  when,  all  their  preparations 
being  ready,  they  might  be  able  to  strike  a  deci- 
sive blow  ;  in  the  mean  time,  they  were  to  be  indus- 
triously employed  in  collecting  arms  and  ammu- 
nition, and  other  necessary  implements  of  war. 

Having  ordained  a  chief  prophet,  whose  word 
w^as  to  be  regarded  as  infallible,  and  whose  direc- 
tions were  to  be  implicitly  followed,  and  established 
a  regular  gradation  of  inferior  dependants,  to  dis- 
seminate his  doctrines  through  the  different  parts 
of  the  nation,  Tecumseh  set  out  to  his  own  tribe, 
accompanied  by  several  of  the  natives. 

From  this  time,  a  regular  communication  was 
kept  up  between  the  Creeks  and  the  northern 
tribes,  in  relation  to  the  great  enterprise  which 
they  were  concerting  together;  whilst  the  parties 
carrying  it  on  committed  frequent  depredations  on 
the  frontier  settlers.  By  one  of  these,  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1812,  several  families  had  been  murdered 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  33 

in  a  shocking  manner,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio 
and,  shortly  afterwards,  another  party,  entering  the 
limits  of  Tennessee,  under  circumstances  of  still 
greater  barbarity,  butchered  two  families  of  women 
and  children.  Similar  outrages  were  committed  on 
the  frontiers  of  Georgia,  and  were  continued,  at 
intervals,  on  the  inhabitants  of  Tennessee,  along' 
her   southern  boundary. 

These  multiplied  outrages,  at  length,  attracted 
the  attention  of  the  general  government,  and  ap- 
plication was  made,  through  their  agent,  (Colonel 
Hawkins,)  to  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  nation, 
who,  desirous  of  preserving  their  friendly  relation 
with  the  United  States,  resolved  to  punish  tho 
murderers  with  death;  and  inunediately  appointed 
a  party  of  warriors  to  carry  their  determination 
into  execution.  No  sooner  was  this  done,  than  tlie 
spirit  of  the  greater  part  of  the  nation,  which,  from 
policy,  had  been  kept,  in  a  considerable  degree, 
dormant,  suddenly  burst  into  a  flame,  and  kindled 
into  civil  war. 

It  vvas  not  difficult  for  the  friends  of  those  mur- 
derers, who  had  been  put  to  death,  to  prevail  on 
others,  who  secretly  applauded  the  acts  for  which 
they  suffered,  to  enter  warmly  into  their  resent- 
ments against  those  who  had  been  concerned  in 
brmgmg  them  to  punishment.  An  occasion  as 
they  believed,  was  now  presented  which  fiilly  au- 
thorized them  to  throw  aside  all  those  injunctions 
of  secrecy  imposed  on  them  by  Tecumseh  and 
tlioir  prophets.  They  now  resolved  to  lay  aside  all 
restraint,  and  execute  at  once  tlieir  insatiate  and 
long-projected  vengeance,  not  only  on  the  white 
people,  but  on  those  of  their  own  nation,  who,  by 


34  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

this  last  act  of  retaliatory  justice,  had  unequivocally 
shown  a  disposition  to  preserve  their  friendship 
with  the  former.  The  war  clubs*  were  immedi' 
ately  seen  in  every  section  of  the  nation ;  but  more 
particularly  among  the  numerous  hordes  residing' 
near  Alabama.  Brandishing  these  in  their  hands, 
they  rushed,  in  the  first  instance,  on  those  of  their 
own  countrymen  who  had  shown  a  disposition  to 
preserve  their  relations  with  the  United  States,  and 
obliged  them  to  retire  towards  the  white  settle- 
ments, and  place  themselves  in  forts,  to  escape  the 
first  ebullition  of  their  rage.  Encouraged  by  this 
success,  and  their  numbers,  which  hourly  increas- 
ed, and  infatuated  to  the  highest  degree  by  the 
predictions  of  their  prophets,  who  assured  them  that 
the  "Great  Spirit"  was  on  their  side,  and  would 
enable  thera  to  triumph  over  all  their  enemies,  they 
began  to  make  immediate  preparations  for  extend- 
ing their  ravages  to  the  white  settlements.  Fort 
Mimms,  situated  in  tli^  Tensaw  settlement,  in  the 
Mississippi  territory,  was  the  first  point  destined  to 
satiate  their  vengeance.  It  contained,  at  that  time, 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  under  the  command 
of  Major  Beasley,  besides  a  considerable  number  of 
women  and  children,  who  had  betaken  themselves 
to  it  for  security.  Having  collected  a  supply  of 
ammunition  from  the  Spaniards  at  Pensacola,  and 
assembled  their  warriors,  to  the  numbe-r  of  six  or 

*  Instntments  used  by  the  Indian  tribes  on  commencing  hos- 
tilities; and  which,  when  painted  red,  they  consider  a  declaration 
of  war.  They  are  fonned  of  a  stick,  about  eighteen  inches  in 
lenglh,  with  a  strong  piece  of  sharp  iron  affixccT at  tlie  end,  and 
resemble  a  hatchet.  They  iise  them  principally  in  pursuit,  and 
aAer  they  have  been  cible  to  iolroduce  coDiusioa  into  the  ranks 
of  an  enemy. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  35 

seven  hundred,  tlie  war  party,  commanded  by 
Weatherford,  a  distinguished  chief  of  the  nation,  on 
tlie  30th  of  August,  commenced  their  assault  on  the 
fort ;  and,  having  succeeded  in  carrying  it,  put  to 
death  nearly  three  hundred  persons,  including 
women  and  children,  with  the  most  savage  barbari- 
ty. The  slaughter  was  indiscriminate ;  mercy  was 
extended  to  none ;  and  the  tomahawk,  at  the  same 
stroke,  often  cleft  the  mother  and  the  child.  But 
seventeen  of  the  whole  number  in  the  fort  escaped, 
to  bring  intelligence  of  the  dreadful  catastrophe. 
This  monstrous  and  unprovoked  outrage  was  no 
sooner  known  in  Tennessee,  than  the  whole  state 
was  thrown  into  a  ferment.  Considerable  excite- 
ment had  already  been  produced  by  bruta,lities  of 
earlier  date,  and  measures  had  been  adopted  by 
the  governor,  in  conformity  with  instructions  from 
the  secretary  of  war,  for  commencing  a  campaign 
against  them ;  but  the  massacre  at  Fort  Mimms, 
which  threatened  to  be  followed  by  the  entire  de- 
struction of  the  Mobile  and  Tombigbee  settlements, 
inspired  a  deep  and  universal  sentiment  of  solici- 
tude, and  an  earnest  wish  for  speedy  and  effectual 
operations.  The  anxiety  felt  on  the  occasion  was 
greatly  increased  from  an  apprehension  that  Gene- 
ral Jackson  would  not  be  able  to  command.  He 
was  the  only  man,  known  in  the  state,  who  was 
believed  qualified  to  discharge  the  arduous  duties 
of  the  station,  and  who  could  carry  with  him  the 
complete  confidence  of  his  soldiers.  He  was  at 
this  time  seriously  indisposed,  and  confined  to  his 
room,  with  a  fractured  arm ;  but,  although  this  ap- 
prehension was  seriously  indulged,  arrangements 
were  in  progress,  and  r.  easures  industriously  taken. 


S6>  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

to  prepare  and  press  the  expedition  with  every  pos- 
sible despatch. 

A  numerous  collection  of  respectable  citizens; 
who  convened  at  Nashville  on  the  18th  of  Septem- 
ber, for  the  purpose  of  devising  the  most  effectual 
ways  and  means  of  affording  protection  to  their 
brethren  in  distress,  afler  conferring  with  the  gov- 
ernor and  General  Jackson,  who  was  still  confined 
to  his  room,  strongly  advised  the  propriety  of  march- 
ing a  sufficient  army  into  the  heart  of  the  Creek  na- 
tion; and  accordingly  recommended  this  measure, 
with  great  earnestness,  to  the  legislature,  which, 
in  a  few  days  afterwards,  commenced  its  session. 
That  body,  penetrated  with  the  same  sentiments 
which  animated  the  whole  country,  immediatel}' 
enacted  a  law,  authorizing  the  executive  to  call  into 
the  field  thirty-five  hundred  of  the  militia,  to  be 
marched  against  the  Indians ;  and,  to  guard  against 
all  difficulties,  in  the  event  the  general  govern- 
ment should  omit  to  adopt  them  into  their  service, 
three  hundred  thousand  dollars  were  voted  for  their 
support. 

The  settlers  ^were  fleeing  to  the  interior,  and 
every  day  brought  intelligence  that  the  Creeks, 
collected  in  considerable  force,  were  bending  their 
course  tov/ards  the  frontiers  of  Tennessee.  The 
governor  now  issued  an  order  to  General  Jackson, 
who,  not\\^thstanding  the  state  of  his  health,  had 
determined  to  assume  the  command,  requiring  hira 
to  call  out,  and  rendezvous  at  Fayetteville,  in  the 
shortest  possible  time,  two  thousand  of  the  militia 
and  volunteers  of  his  division,  to  repel  any  invasion 
that  might  be  contemplated.  Colonel  Coffee,  in 
addition  to  five  hundred  cavalry,  already  raised,  un- 
der his  conunand,  was  authorized  to  organize  anA 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON.  37 

receive   into  his  regiment  any  mounted  riflemen 
that  might  make  a  tender  of  their  sed:vices. 

Having  received  these  orders,  Jackson  hastened 
to  give  them  effect;  and  with  this  object  appealed 
to  those  volunteers,  who,  with  him,  had  heretofore 
descended  the  Mississippi  to  Natchez.  He  urged 
tliem  to  appear  at  the  rendezvous,  on  the  4th  of 
October,  equipped  for  active  service.  He  pointed 
out  the  imperious  necessity  which  demanded  their 
services,  and  urged  them  to  be  punctual;  for  their 
frontiers  were  threatened  by  a  savage  foe.  In  tlie 
mean  time,  until  this  force  could  be  collected  and 
organized,  Colonel  Coffee,  with  the  force  then  un- 
der his  command,  and  such  additional  mounted 
riflemen  as  could  be  attached  at  a  short  notice, 
was  directed  to  hasten  forward  to  the  neighbourhood 
of  Huntsville,  and  occupy  some  eligible  position  for 
the  defence  of  the  frontier,  until  the  infantry  should 
arrive ;  when  it  was  contemplated,  by  the  nearest 
possible  route,  to  press  on  to  Fort  St.  Stephen,  with 
a  view  to  the  protection  and  defence  of  Mississippi. 

Every  exertion  was  now  made  to  hasten  the  prep- 
arations for  a  vigorous  campaign.  Orders  were 
given  to  the  quarter-master,  to  furnish  the  neces- 
sary munitions,  with  the  proper  transportation ;  and 
to  the  contractors,  to  provide  ample  supplies  of  pro- 
visions. The  day  of  their  rendezvous  being  arriv 
ed,  and  the  general  not  being  sufficiently  recovered 
to  attend  in  person,  he  forwarded  by  his  aid-de- 
camp, Major  Reid,  an  address,  to  be  read  to  the 
troops,  accompanied  by  an  order  for  the  establish- 
ment of  the  police  of  the  camp. 

For  the  police  of  his  camp,  he  announced  th© 
following  order  : 


38  LIFC    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

"The  chain  of  sentinels  will  be  morked,  and  Oie 
sentries  posted,  precisely  at  ten  o'clock  to-day. 

"No  sutler  will  be  suffered  to  sell  spirituous 
liquors  to  any  soldier,  without  permission,  in  writ- 
ing, from  a  commissioned  officer,  under  the  penal- 
ties prescribed  by  the  rules  and  articles  of  war. 

"No  citizen  will  be  permitted  to  pass  the  chain 
of  sentinels,  after  retreat  beat  in  the  evening,  until 
reveille  in  the  morning.  Drunkenness,  the  bane  of 
all  orderly  encampments,  is  positively  forbidden, 
both  in  officers  and  privates:  officers,  under  the 
penalty  of  immediate  arrest ;  and  privates,  of  being 
placed  under  guard,  tJiere  to  remain  until  liberated 
by  "♦  court  martial. 

"At  reveille  beat,  all  officers  and  soldiers  are  to 
appear  on  parade,  with  their  arnis  and  accoutre- 
ments in  proper  order. 

"On  pdrade,  silence,  the  duty  of  a  soldier,  la 
positively  commanded. 

"No  officer  or  soldier  is  to  sleep  out  of  camp, 
but  by  permission  obtained." 

These  rules,  to  those  who  had  scarcely  yet  pass- 
ed the  line  that  separates  the  citizen  from  the  sol 
dier,  and  who  had  not  yet  laid  Eiside  the  notions  of 
self-sovereignty,  had  the  appearance  of  too  much 
rigour ;  but  the  general  well  knew,  that  the  expe- 
dition in  which  they  were  embarked  involved  much 
hazard;  and  that,  although  such  lively  feelings  were 
manifested  now,  yet,  when  hardships  pressed,  tliesa 
might  cease. 

Impatient  to  join  liis  division,  although  his  health 
was  far  from  being  restored,  his  arm  only  begin- 
lung  to  heal,  the  general,  in  a  few  days  afterwards, 
set  out  for  the  encampment,  and  reached  it  on  tho 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSOX.  39 

7th  Finding,  on  his  arrival,  that  the  requisition 
Was  not  complete,  either  in  the  number  of  men.  or 
the  necessary  equipments,  measures  were  instantly 
taken  to  remedy  the  deficiency.  Orders  were  di 
rected  to  the  several  brigadiers  in  his  division,  to 
hasten  immediately  their  respective  quotas,  fully 
equipped  for  active  operations. 

Circumstances  did  not  permit  him  to  remain  at 
this  place  long  enough  to  have  the  delinquencies 
complained  of  remedied,  and  the  ranks  of  his  army 
fdled.  Colonel  Coffee  had  proceeded  with  his 
mounted  volunteers  to  cover  Huntsville,  and  give 
security  to  the  frontiers,  where  alarm  greatly  pre- 
vailed. On  the  night  of  the  8th,  a  letter  was  re- 
ieived  from  him,  dated  two  days  before,  advising, 
that  two  Indians,  belonging  to  the  peace  party,  had 
just  arrived  at  the  Tennessee  River,  from  Chinna- 
by's  Fort,  on  the  Coosa,  with  information  that  the 
war  party  had  despatched  eight  hundred  or  a  thou- 
sand of  their  warriors  to  attack  the  frontiers  of 
Georgia;  and,  with  the  remainder  of  their  forces, 
were  marching  against  Huntsville,  or  Fort  Hamp- 
ton. In  consequence  of  this  intelligence,  exertions 
Were  made  to  hasten  a  movement.  Late  on  the  fol- 
lowing night,  another  express  arrived,  confirming 
the  former  statement,  and  representing  the  enemy, 
in  great  force,  to  be  rapidly  approaching  the  Ten- 
nessee. Orders  were  now  given  for  preparing  the 
line  of  march,  and  by  nine  o'clock  the  next  day  the 
whole  division  was  in  motion.  They  had  not  pro- 
ceeded many  miles,  when  they  were  met  with  in 
teliigence  that  Colonel  Gibson,  who  had  been  sent 
out  by  Coffee  to  reconnoitre  the  movements  of  the 
enemy,  had  been  killed  by  their  advance.  A  strong 
desire  had  been  manifested  to  be  led  forward ;  that 


40  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACiiSON. 

desire  was  now  strengthened  by  the  information  just 
received;  and  it  was  witli  difficulty  their  emotiona 
could  be  restrained.  They  accelerated  their  pace 
and  before  eight  o'clock  at  night  arrived  at  Hunts- 
ville,  a  distance  of  thirty-two  miles.  Learning 
nere,  that  the  information  was  erroneous  which  had 
occasioned  so  hasty  a  movement,  the  general  en- 
camped his  troops ;  having  intended  to  march  them 
that  night  to  the  Tennessee  River  had  it  been  con- 
firmed. Tlie  next  day  the  line  of  march  was  re- 
sumed. The  influence  of  the  late  excitement  was 
now  visible  in  the  lassitude  which  followed  its  re- 
moval. Proceeding  slowly,  they  crossed  the  Ten- 
nessee, at  Ditto's  Landing,  and  united  in  the  eve- 
ning with  Colonel  Coffee's  regiment,  which  had 
previously  occupied  a  commanding  bluff,  on  tlie 
south  bank  of  the  river.  From  this  place,  in  a  few 
days  afterwards,  Jackson  detached  Colonel  Coffee, 
with  seven  hundred  men,  to  scour  the  Black  War- 
rior, a  stream  running  from  the  north-east,  and 
emptying  into  the  Tombigbee  ;  on  which  were  sup- 
posed to  be  settled  several  populous  villages  of  the 
enemy.  He  himself  remained  at  this  encampment 
a  week,  using  the  utmost  pains  in  training  hia 
troops  for  service,  and  labouring  mcessantly  to  pro- 
cure the  necessary  supplies  for  a  campaign,  which 
he  had  determined  to  carry  directly  into  the  heart 
of  the   enemy's   country. 

Witn  General  Cocke,  who  commanded  the  divis- 
ion of  East  Tennessee  militia,  an  arrangement  liad 
been  made  the  preceding  month,  in  which  he  had 
engaged  to  furnish  large  quantities  of  bread  stufi^ 
at  Ditto's  Landing.  The  facility  of  procuring  it  in 
Ihat  quarter,  and  the  convenient  transportation  af- 
forded by  the  river,  left  no  doubt  on  the  mind  o. 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  41 

Jackson  but  that  the  engagement  would  be  punctu- 
ally complied  with.  To  provide,  however,  against 
the  bare  possibility  of  a  failure,  and  to  be  guarded 
against  all  contingencies  that  might  happen,  he  had 
addressed  his  applications  to  various  other  sources. 
He  had,  on  the  same  subject,  written  in  the  most 
pressing  manner  to  the  governor  of  Georgia,  with 
whose  forces  it  was  proposed  to  act  in  concert;  to 
Colonel  Meigs,  agent  to  the  Cherokee  nation  of  In- 
dians, and  to  General  White,  who  commanded  the 
advance  of  the  East  Tennessee  troops.  Previously 
to  his  arrival  at  Huntsville,  he  had  received  assur- 
ances from  the  two  latter,  that  a  considerable  sup- 
ply of  flour,  for  the  use  of  his  army,  had  been  pro 
cured,  and  was  then  at  Hiwassee,  where  boats  were 
ready  to  transport  it.  From  General  Cocke,  about 
the  same  time,  a  letter  was  received ;  stating  that 
a  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of  flour  were  then  on 
the  way  to  his  encampment;  and  expressing  a  be- 
lief, that  he  should  be  able  to  procure,  and  forward 
on  immediately,  a  thousand  barrels  more.  With 
pressing  importunity,  he  had  addressed  himself  to 
the  contractors,  and  they  had  given  him  assurances, 
that,  on  his  crossing  the  Tennessee,  they  would  be 
prepared  with  twenty  days'  rations  for  his  whole 
command  ;  but  finding,  on  his  arrival  at  Ditto's,  that 
their  preparations  were  not  in  such  forwardness  a? 
he  had  been  led  to  expect,  he  was  compelled,  for  ? 
time,  to  suspend  any  active  and  general  operations. 
Calculating,  however,  with  great  confidence  on 
exertions,  which,  he  had  been  promised,  should  be 
unremitting,  and  on  the  speedy  arrival  of  those  sup- 
plies descending  the  river,  which  had  been  already 
ixnaccountabiy  delayed^  he  hoped,  in  a  few  days,  to 
be  placed  in  a  situation  to  act  efficiently.  Whilst 
4* 


42  LIFE    OF    GEXEKA.L    JACKSON. 

he  was  encouraged  by  these  expectations,  and  only 
waiting  their  fulfilment,  that  he  might  advance, 
Shelocta,  the  son  of  Chinnaby,  a  principal  chief 
among  the  friendly  Creeks,  arrived  at  his  camp, 
to  solicit  his  speedy  movement  for  the  relief  of  hia 
father's  fort,  which  was  then  threatened  by  a  con- 
siderable body  of  the  war  party,  v/ho  had  advanced 
to  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Ten  Islands,  on  the 
Coosa.  Influenced  by  his  representations,  and 
anxious  to  extend  relief,  Jackson,  on  the  ISth,  gave 
orders  for  taking  up  the  line  of  march  on  the  fol- 
lov/ing  day,  and  notified  the  contractors  of  this  ar- 
rangement, that  they  might  be  prepared  to  issue, 
immediately,  such  supplies  as  they  had  on  hand ; 
but,  to  his  great  astonishment,  he  then,  for  the  first 
time,  was  apprized  of  their  entire  inability  to  sup- 
ply him  whilst  on  his  march.  Having  drawn  what 
they  had  ih  their  power  to  furnish,  amounting  to 
only  a  few  days'  rations,  they  were  deposed  from 
office,  and  others  appointed,  on  whose  industry  and 
performance,  he  believed,  he  might  more  safely 
rely.  The  scarcity  of  his  provisions,  however,  at  a 
moment  like  the  present,  when  there  was  every  ap- 
pearance that  the  enemy  might  be  met,  and  a  blow 
stricken  to  advantage,  was  not  sufficient  to  wave 
his  dcterminacion.  The  route  he  would  have  to 
make,  to  gam  the  fort,  lay,  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance, up  the  river.  He  detennined  to  proceed ; 
and,  having  passed  his  army  and  baggage  wagons 
over  several  mountains  of  stupendous  size,  and 
such  as  were  thought  almost  impassable  by  foot 
passengers,  he  arrived,  on  the  22d  of  October,  at 
Thompson's  Creek,  which  empties  into  the  Tennes- 
Bec,  iwenty-four  miles  above  Ditto's.  At  this  place 
he  proposed  tlie  establisliment  of  a  permanent  de- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  43 

pot,  for  the  reception  of  supplies,  to  be  sent  eitI)or 
up  or  down  the  river.  Disappointed  in  the  hopes 
with  which  he  had  adventured  on  his  march,  he  le- 
mained  here  several  days,  in  expectation  of  the 
boats  lliat  were  coming  to  his  relief.  Thus  harass- 
ed at  the  first  onset,  by  difficulties  wholly  unex- 
pected, and  which,  from  the  numerous  and  strong" 
assurances  received,  he  could  by  no  means  have 
calculated  on;  fearing,  too,  that  the  same  disregard 
of  duty  might  induce  a  continuance,  he  lost  no  time 
in  opening  every  avenue  to  expedient,  that  the 
chances  of  future  faikire  might  be  diminished.  To 
General  Flournoy,  who  commanded  at  Mobile,  he 
applied,  urging  him  to  procure  bread  stuff,  and  have 
it  forwarded  up  the  Alabama  by  the  time  he  should 
arrive  on  that  river.  The  agent  of  the  Choctaws, 
Colonel  M'Kee,  who  was  then  on  the  Tombigbee, 
was  addressed  in  the  same  style  of  entreaty.  Ex- 
presses were  despatched  to  General  Wiiite,  whO; 
with  the  advance  of  the  East  Tennessee  division, 
had  arrived  at  the  Look-out  Mountain,  in  the  Cher- 
okee nation,  urging  him,  by  all  means,  to  hasten  on 
the  supplies.  The  assistance  of  the  governor  of 
Tennessee  was  also  earnestly  besought.  To^facili- 
tate  exertion,  and  to  assure  success,  every  thing 
within  his  reach  was  attempted:  several  persons  of 
wealth  and  patriotism,  in  IMadison  county,  were  so- 
licited to  afford  the  contractors  all  the  aid  in  their 
power ;  and,  to  induce  them  more  re'^xlily  to  extend 
it,  their  deep  interest,  immediately  at  stake,  was 
pointed  to,  and  their  deplorable  and  dangerous  situ- 
ation, should  necessity  compel  hun  to  withdraw  Jna 
army,  and  leave  them  exposed  to  the  mercy  of  tiie 
savages. 


44  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

Whilst  these  measures  were  takmg,  two  run 
ners,  from  Turkey  town,  an  Indian  village,  des- 
patched by  Path-killer,  a  chief  of  the  Cherokees, 
arrived  at  the  camp.  They  brought  information, 
that  the  enemy,  from  nine  of  the  hostile  towns, 
were  assembling  in  great  force  near  the  Ten 
Islands ;  and  solicited  that  immediate  assistance 
should  be  afforded  the  friendly  Creeks  and  Chero- 
kees, in  their  neighbourhood,  who  were  exposed  to 
such  imminent  danger.  His  want  of  provisions 
was  not  yet  remedied ;  but,  distributing  the  partial 
supply  that  was  on  hand,  he  resolved  to  proceed,  m 
expectation  that  the  relief  he  had  so  earnestly 
looked  for,  would,  in  a  little  while,  arrive,  and  be 
forwarded  to  him. 

He  instructed  General  White  to  form  a  junction 
with  him,  and  to  hasten  on  all  the  supplies  in  his 
power  to  command ;  with  about  six  days'  rations 
of  meat,  and  less  than  two  of  meal,  he  again  put 
his  army  in  motion  to  meet  the  enemy.  Although 
there  was  some  hazard  in  advancing  into  a  country 
where  relief  was  not  to  be  expected  with  such 
limited  preparation,  yet,  believing  that  his  contrac- 
tors, lately  installed,  would  exert  themselves  to  the 
utmost  to  forward  supplies,  and  that,  amidst  The  va- 
riety of  arrangements  made,  all  could  not  fail,  and 
well  aware  that  his  delaying  longer  might  be  pro- 
ductive of  many  disadvantages,  his  determination 
was  taken  to  set  out  immediately  in  quest  of  the 
enemy.  He  replied  to  the  Path-killer,  by  his  run- 
ners, that  he  should  proceed  directly  for  the  Coosa. 
and  solicited  him  to  be  diligent  in  making  discove- 
ries of  the  situation,  and  collected  forces  of  the 
savages,  and  to  give  him.  as  early  as  possible  the 
result  of  bis  inquiries. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  45 

"  The  hostile  Creeks,"  he  remarked  to  him,  "  will 
not  attack  you  until  they  have  had  a  brush  with  mo . 
and  that,  I  think,  will  put  them  out  of  the  notion  oi 
fighting  for  some  time."  He  requested,  if  he  had^ 
or  could  any  how  procure,  provisions  for  his  army 
that  he  would  send  them,  or  advise  where  they 
might  be  had  :  "  You  shall  be  well  paid,  and  have 
my  thanks  into  the  bargain.  I  shall  stand  most  in 
reed  of  corn  meal,  but  shall  be  thankful  for  any 
kind  of  provisions ;  and,  indeed,  for  whatever  w^it 
support  life." 

The  army  had  advanced  but  a  short  distance 
vhen  unexpected  embarrassments  were  again  pre- 
sented. Information  was  received,  by  which  it 
was  clearly  ascertained,  that  the  present  contrac 
tors,  who  had  been  so  certainly  relied  on,  could 
not,  with  all  their  exertions,  procure  the  necessary 
supplies.  Major  Rose,  in  the  quarter-master's  de- 
partment, who  had  been  sent  into  Madison  county, 
to  aid  them  in  their  endeavours,  having  satisfied 
himself,  as  well  from  their  own  admissions  as  from 
evidence,  that  their  want  of  funds,  and  consequeni! 
want  of  credit,  rendered  them  a  very  unsafe  de- 
pendence, had  returned,  and  disclosed  the  facts  to 
the  general.  He  stated,  that  there  were  there 
persons  of  fortune  and  industry,  who  might  be 
confided  in,  and  who  would  be  willing  to  contract 
for  the  army  if  it  were  necessary.  Jackson  lost 
no  time  in  embracing  this  plan,  and  gave  the  con- 
tract to  Mr.  Pope,  upon  whose  exertions,  he  hoped, 
every  reliance  might  be  safely  reposed.  To  the 
otlier  contractors  he  wrote,  informing  them  of  the 
change  that  had  been  made. 

"  I  am  advised,"  said  he,  "  that  you  have  can- 
didly acknowledged  you  have  it  not  in  your  power 


I# 


LIFE    OP    GENERAI-    JACKSON. 


to  execute  the  contract  in  which  you  hav'e  engag'ed. 
Do  not  think  I  mean  to  cast  any  reflection — very 
far  from  it.  I  am  exceedingly  pleased  with  the 
exertions  you  have  made,  and  feel  myself  under 
many  obligations  of  gratitude  for  them.  From  the 
admissions  you  have  been  candid  enough  to  male. 
the  scarcity  which  already  begins  to  appear  in 
camp,  and  the  difficulties  you  are  likely  to  encoun- 
ter, in  effecting  your  engagements,  I  am  apprehen- 
sive I  should  be  doing  injustice  to  the  army  I  com- 
mand, were  I  to  rely  for  support  on  your  exertions — 
great  as  I  know  them  to  be.  Whatever  concerns 
myself,  I  may  manage  with  any  generosity  or 
indulgence  I  please  ;  but  in  acting  for  my  country, 
I  have  no  such  discretion." 

This  arrangement  being  made,  the  army  con- 
tinued its  march,  and,  having  arrived  within  a  few 
miles  of  the  Ten  Islands,  was  met  by  old  Chinnaby, 
a  leading  chief  of  the  Creek  nation,  and  sternly  op- 
posed to  the  war  party.  He  brought  with  him,  and 
surrendered  up,  two  of  the  hostile  Creeks,  who  had 
been  lately  made  prisoners  by  his  party.  At  this 
place,  it  was  represented,  that  they  were  within 
sixteen  miles  of  the  enemy,  w^ho  were  collected,  to 
the  number  of  a  thousand,  to  oppose  their  passage. 
This  information  was  little  relied  on,  and  afterwards 
proved  untrue.  Jackson  continued  his  route,  and 
in  a  few  days  reached  the  islands  of  the  Coosa; 
liaving  been  detained  a  day  on  the  way,  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  small  supplies  of  corn  from 
the  neighbouring  Indians.  This  acquisition  to  the 
scanty  stock  on  h.and,  whilst  it  afforded  subsistence 
for  tlie  Dreseut,  encouraged  his  hopes  for  the  future, 
as  a  mean  of  temporary  resort,  should  his  other 
resources  fail 


UFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  47 

On  the  28th  of  October,  Colonel  Dyer,  who,  on 
the  march  to  the  Ten  Islands,  had  been  detached 
from  the  main  body,  with  two  hundred  cavalry,  to 
attack  Littafutchce  town,  on  the  head  of  Canoe 
Creek,  which  empties  into  the  Coosa  from  the  west, 
returned,  bring-ing  with  him  twenty-nine  prisoners, 
men,  women,  and  children,  having  destroyed  the 
village. 

The  sanguine  expectations  indulged,  on  leaving 
Thompson's  Creek,  that  the  advance  of  the  East 
Tennessee  militia  would  hasten  to  unite  with  him, 
was  not  yet  realized.  The  express  heretofore  di- 
rected to  General  White  liad  not  returned.  Jack- 
son, on  the  31st,  despatched  another,  again  urging 
him  to  effect  a  speedy  junction,  and  to  bring  with 
him  all  the  bread  stuff  in  his  power  to  procure; 
feelingly  suggesting  to  him,  at  the  same  time,  the 
great  inconvenience  and  hazard,  to  which  he  had 
been  already  exposed,  for  the  want  of  punctuality 
m  himself  and  his  commanding  general.  Owing  to 
that  cause,  and  the  late  failures  of  his  contractors, 
he  represented  his  army  as  placed  in  a  very  pre- 
carious situation,  dependent,  in  a  great  measure, 
for  support,  on  the  exertions  which  they  might  be 
pleased  to  make ;  but  assured  him,  he  would  still. 
at  every  risk,  endeavour  to  effect  his  purpose  ;  and, 
at  all  events,  was  resolved  to  hasten  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  object,  for  which  he  had  set  out. 
Believing  the  co-operation  of  the  East  Tennessee 
tJroops  essential  to  this  end,  they  were  again  in- 
structed to  join  him  without  delay ;  for  he  could 
not  conceive  it  to  be  correct  policy,  thai  troops 
from  the  same  state,  pursuing  the  same  object, 
should  constitute  separate  and  distinct  armies,  and 
ftct  without  concert,  and  independently   of  each 


40  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSCW. 

other.  He  entertained  no  doubt  but  that  his  order 
would  be  promptly  obeyed. 

The  next  evening,  a  detachment,  which  had  been 
sent  out  ihe  day  before,  returned  to  camp,  bringing 
with  them,  besides  some  corn  and  beeves,  sev  era- 
negroes  and  prisoners  of  the  war  party. 

Learning  now  that  a  considerable  body  of  the 
enemy  had  posted  themselves  at  Tallushatchee,  on 
the  south  side  of  the  Coosa,  about  thirteen  miles 
distant,  General  Coffee  was  detached,  with  nine 
hundred  men,  to  attack  and  disperse  them.  With 
this  force  he  was  enabled,  through  the  direction  of 
an  Indian  pilot,  to  ford  the  Coosa,  at  the  Fish-dams, 
about  four  miles  above  the  islands  ;  and,  having  en- 
camped beyond  it,  very  early  the  next  morning 
proceeded  to  the  execution  of  his  order.  Having 
arrived  witliiu  a  mile  and  a  half,  he  formed  his 
detachmeni  into  iwo  divisions,  and  directed  them  to 
march  so  as  to  encircle  the  town,  by  uniting  tlieir 
fronts  beyond  it.  The  enemy,  hearing  of  his  ap- 
proach, began  to  prepare  for  action,  announced  by 
beating  of  drums,  mingled  with  savage  yells  and 
war-whoops.  An  hour  afler  sun-rise,  the  action 
was  commenced  by  Captain  Hammon's  and  Lieu- 
tenant Patterson  s  companies  of  spies,  who  had 
gone  within  the  circle  of  alignement,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  drawing  the  Indians  from  their  buildings. 
No  sooner  had  these  companies  given  a  few  scat- 
tering shot,  than  the  enemy  made  a  violent  charge. 
Compelled  to  give  way,  the  advance  guards  were 
pursued  until  they  reached  the  main  body  of  the 
army,  which  immediately  charged  in  turn.  The 
Indians  retreated,  firing  and  fighting  as  long  as 
they  could  stand  or  sit,  without  manifesting  fear, 
or   soliciting  quarter.    Their  less  was  a  hundred 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  49 

and  eighty-six  killed ;  among  whom  were  a  few 
women  and  children.  Eighty-four  women  and 
children  were  taken  prisoners,  towards  whom  the 
utmost  humanity  was  shown.  Of  the  Americans, 
five  were  killed,  and  forty-one  wounded.  Two 
were  killed  with  arrows,  which,  on  this  occasion, 
formed  a  principal  part  of  the  arms  of  the  Indians; 
each  one  having  a  bow  and  quiver,  which  he  used 
after  the  first  fire  of  his  gun,  until  an  opportunity 
occurred  for  re-loading. 

Having  buried  his  dead,  and  provided  for  his 
wounded.  General  Coftee,  the  evening  of  the  same 
day,  united  with  the  main  army,  bringing  with  him 
about  forty  prisoners.  Of  the  residue,  a  part  were 
too  badly  wounded  to  be  removed,  and  were  there- 
fore left,  with  a  sufficient  number  to  take  care  of 
them. 

From  the  manner  in  which  the  enemy  fought, 
the  killing  and  wounding  others  than  their  warriors, 
was  not  to  be  avoided.  On  their  retreat  to  their 
village,  after  the  commencement  of  the  battle, 
they  resorted  to  their  block  houses,  and  strong  log 
dwellings,  whence  they  kept  up  resistance,  and 
resolutely  maintained  the  fight.  Mingled  with 
their  women  and  children,  it  was  impossible  they 
should  not  be  exposed  to  the  general  danger ;  and 
thus  many  were  injured,  notwithstanding  every 
possible  precaution.  Many  of  the  women  united 
with  their  warriors,  and  contended  in  Ute  battle 
with  fearless  bravoiy. 
5 


60  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOX. 


CHAPTER  III. 

(r€neral  Jackson  mdeai-ours  tc  unite  rnih  the  East  Tt:nnesse< 
tro(qjs. — Estahlishment  of  Fort  Sirother. — Learns  the  ejiP'ny 
are  imbodied. — Marches  to  meet  tliem. — Br-title  of  Tul/ade,c;a. — 
Is  compelled  to  return  to  his  encampment,  for  tcani  of  supplies. — 
Anecdote. — Discontents  of  his  army. — MilitLt  and  vulunteers 
mutimj. — Address  to  tJie  officbs. — Is  compiled  to  abandon  Fort 
Strc'ther. — Hillahee  clans  sue  f?r  peace. — Letter  from  the  Rev, 
Sir.  Blackburn. — Answer . —  Tlic  volunteers  claim  to  be  dis- 
charged.— Mutiny . — Address  to  tliem — General  Cocke  arrives 
iviih  part  of  his  division. — Genen.d  Ccjf'ee's  briicade  petitions 
for  a  disclmrsae. — General  Jackson's  answer. —  They  abandon 
tlie  sen'ice,  aiul  go  liome. 


Measures  were  now  taken  to  establish  a  pe  ■ 
manent  depot  on  the  north  bank  of  the  river,  «^ 
the  Ten  Islands,  to  be  protected  by  strong  pickoL- 
ting  and  block  houses.  It  was  desirable  to  unite, 
as  soon  as  possible,  with  the  troops  from  the  East 
of  Tennessee  ;  to  effect  this,  Jackson,  on  the  4th, 
despatched  an  express  to  General  White,  urging 
him  to  unite  with  him  as  soon  as  possible,  and 
again  entreating  hirn  on  the  subject  of  provisions  ; 
to  bring  with  him  such  as  ho  had  on  hand,  or  could 
procure  ;  and,  if  possible,  to  form  some  certain  ar- 
-angement  that  might  ensure  a  supply  in  future. 

Anxious  to  proceed,  and  have  his  army  active, 
^^e  again,  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  renev/ed  his 
application  to  General  White,  who  still  remained 
It  Turkey  town. 

The  army  was  busily  engaged  in  fortifying  the 
nite  fixed  on  for  a  depot,  to  which  the  name  of 
I'oit  Strotlicr  had  been  given.  On  the  evening  of 
the  TUi,  a  runner  arrived  from  Talladega,  a  fort  of 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  5 J 

tlie  friendly  Indians,  tlnrty  miles  below,  with  in 
forhnation,  that  the  enemy  had  that  morning  en 
camped  before  it  in  great  numbers,  and  would 
certainly  destroy  it,  unless  immediate  assistance 
could  be  afforded.  Jackson,  confiding  in  the  stat.e- 
;nent,  determined  to  lose  no  time  in  extending  the 
relief  which  was  solicited.  Understa.nding  that 
General  White  was  on  his  way  to  join  him,  lie 
despatclied  a  messenger,  directing  liim  to  reach 
his  encampment  in  the  course  of  tlie  ensuing  night, 
and  to  protect  it  in  his  absence.  lie  now  gave 
orders  for  taking  up  the  line  of  march,  with  twelve 
hundred  infantry,  and  eight  hundred  cavalry  and 
mounted  gun-men ;  leaving  behind  the  sick,  the 
wounded,  and  all  his  baggage,  with  a  force  which 
was  deemed  sufficient  for  their  protection,  until  tlie 
reinforcement  from  Turkey  town  should  arrive. 

The  friendly  Indians,  who  had  taken  refuge  in 
this  besieged  fort,  had  involved  themselves  in  their 
present    perilous    situation,    from   a   disposition    to 
preserve  their  amicable   relations  with  the  United 
States.     To  suffer  them  to  fall  a  sacrifice,  from  any 
tardiness  of  movemojit,  would   have    been    unpar 
donable  ;  and,   unless  relief  were  immediately  ex 
tended,   it  miglit  arrive   too   late.     Acting   under 
these  impressions,  tlie  general  concluded  to  move 
instantly   forward  to  their  assistance.     By  twelve 
o'clock  at  night,  every  thing  was  in  readiness';  and 
in  an  hour  afterwards,  the  army  commenced  cross- 
ing the  river,  about  a  mile  above  the  camp ;  each 
of  the  mounted  men  carrying  one  of  the  infantry 
behind  him.     The  river,  at  this  place,  was  six  bun- 
dled yards  wide,  and,  it  being  necessary  to  send 
back  the  horses  for  the  remainder  of  the  infantry 
several  hours  were  consumed  before  a  passage  of 


52  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

all  the  troops  could  bo  effected.  Nevertheless, 
though  greatly  fatigued,  and  deprived  of  sleep, 
they  continued  the  march  with  animation,  and  by 
evening  had  arrived  within  six  miles  of  the  enemy. 
In  this  march,  Jackson  used  the  utmost  precaution 
to  prevent  surprise  ;  marching  his  army,  as  was 
his  constant  custom,  in  three  columns,  so  that,  by 
a  speedy  manceuvre,  they  might  be  thrown  into 
such  a  situation  as  to  be  capable  of  resisting  an 
attack  from  any  quarter.  Having  judiciously  en- 
camped his  men  on  an  eligible  piece  of  ground,  he 
sent  forward  two  of  the  friendly  Indians,  and  a 
white  man,  who  had,  for  many  years,  been  detained 
a  captive  in  the  nation,  and  was  now  acting  as 
interpreter,  to  reconnoitre  the  position  of  the  ene- 
my. About  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  they  returned 
with  information  that  the  savages  were  posted 
within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  fort,  and  appeared 
to  be  in  great  force ;  but  that  they  had  not  been 
able  to  approach  near  enough  to  ascertain  either 
their  numbers  or  precise  situation.  Within  an 
hour  after  this,  a  runner  arrived  from  Turkey 
town,  with  a  letter  from  General  White,  stating, 
that,  after  having  taken  up  the  line  of  march,  to 
unite  at  Fort  Strother,  he  had  received  orders  from 
Genera]  Cocke  to  change  his  course,  and  proceed 
to  the  mouth  of  Chatauga  Creek.  It  was  most 
distressing  intelligence  ;  the  sick  and  wounded  had 
been  left  with  no  other  calculation  for  their  safety, 
Lhan  that  this  detachment  of  tlie  army,  agreeably 
to  his  request,  would,  by  advancing  upon  Fort 
Strother,  serve  the  double  purpose  of  protecting  his 
rear,  and  enable  him  to  advance  still  further  into 
the  enemy's  country.  The  information  proved  that 
all  tliose  salutary  anticipations  were  at  an  end,  and 


LIFE    OV    GENERAL    JACKSON.  63 

that  evils  of  the  worst  kind  might  be  the  conse- 
quence. Intelligence  so  disagreeable  filled  the 
mind  of  Jackson  with  apprehension.  Orders  were 
accordingly  given  to  the  adjutant-general  to  pre- 
pare the  line,  and  by  four  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
the  army  was  again  in  motion.  The  infantry  pro- 
ceeded in  three  columns  ;  the  cavalry  in  the  same 
order,  in  the  rear,  with  flankers  on  each  v/ing. 
The  advance,  consisting  of  a  company  of  ar- 
tillerists, with  muskets,  tv/o  companies  of  riflemen, 
and  one  of  spies,  marched  about  four  hundred  yards 
in  front,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Carroll, 
inspector-general,  with  orders,  after  commencing 
the  action,  to  fall  back  on  the  centre,  so  as  to 
draw  the  enemy  after  them.  At  seven  o'clock, 
having  arrived  within  a  mile  of  the  position  they 
occupied,  the  columns  were  displayed  i.i  order  of 
battle.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  cavalry, 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Dyer,  were  placed  in 
the  rear  of  the  centre,  as  a  corps  do  reserve. 
The  remainder  of  tlie  mounted  troops  were  di- 
rected to  advance  on  the  right  and  left,  and,  after 
encircling  the  enemy,  by  uniting  the  fronts  of  their 
columns,  and  keeping  their  rear  rested  on  the  in- 
fantry, to  face  and  press  towards  the  centre,  so  as 
to  leave  them  no  possibility  of  escape.  The  re- 
maining part  of  the  army  was  ordered  to  move  up 
by  beads  of  companies ;  General  Hall's  brigade 
occupying  the  right,  and  General  Roberts's  the 
left. 

About   eight  o'clock,   the    advance   having    ar- 
rived within  eighty  yards  of  the  enemy,  who  were 
concealed  in  a  thick  shrubbery,  received  a  heavy 
lire,  which  they  instantly  returned  with  much  spirii. 
5* 


64  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

Falling  in  with  the  enemy,  agreeabJy  to  tJieir  in 
structions,  they  retired  towards  the  centre,  but  not 
before  they  had  dislodg-ed  them  from  their  position. 
The  Indians,  now  screaming  and  yelling  hideously, 
rushed  forward  in  the  direction  of  General  Roberts's 
brigade,  a  few  companies  of  which,  alarmed  by 
their  numbers  and  yells,  gave  way  at  the  first 
fire.  Jackson,  to  fill  the  chasm  which  was  thus 
created,  directed  the  regiment  commanded  by 
Colonel  Bradley  to  be  moved  up,  which,  from  some 
unaccountable  cause,  had  failed  to  advance  in  a 
line  with  the  others,  and  now  occupied  a  position 
in  rear  of  the  centre :  Bradley,  however,  to  whom 
this  order  was  given  by  one  of  the  staff*,  omitted  to 
execute  it  in  time,  alleging,  he  was  determined  to 
remain  on  the  eminence  v.'hich  he  then  possessed, 
until  he  sliould  be  approached,  and  attacked  by  the 
enemy.  Owing  to  this  failure  in  the  volunteer 
regiment,  it  became  necessary  to  dismount  tlie  re- 
serve, which,  with  great  firmness,  met  the  approach 
of  the  enemy,  who  were  rapidly  moving  in  this 
direction.  The  retreating  militia,  somewhat  mor- 
tified at  seeing  their  places  so  promptly  supplied, 
rallied,  and,  recovering  their  former  position  in  the 
.me,  aided  in  checking  the  advance  of  the  sav- 
ages. The  action  now  became  general  along  the 
lino,  and  in  fifteen  minutes  the  Indians  were  seen 
fleeing  in  every  direction.  On  the  left,  they  were 
met  and  repulsed  by  the  mounted  riflemen  ;  but  on 
tlie  right,  owing  to  the  halt  of  Bradley's  regiment, 
which  was  intended  to  occupy  the  extreme  right, — 
and  to  the  circumstance  of  Colonel  Allcorn,  who 
commanded  one  of  the  wings  of  the  cavalry,  hav 
mg  taken  too  large  a  circuit, — a  considerable  space 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  5d 

was  left   between   the   infantry   and   the    civalry, 
through  which  numbers  escaped. 

Jackson,  in  his  report  of  this   action,  bestows 
high  commendation  on  the  officers  and  soldiers. 

In  this  batile  the  force  of  the  enemy  was  one 
thousand  and  eighty,  of  whom  two  hundred  and 
ninety-nine  were  left  dead  on  the  ground  ;  and  it 
is  believed  that  nidny  were  killed  in  the  flight,  who 
were  not  found  when  the  estimate  was  made. 
Probably  few  escaped  unhurt.  Their  loss  on  this 
occasion,  as  stated  since  by  themselves,  was  not 
less  than  six  hundred  ;  that  of  the  Americans  wag 
fifteen  k'lled,  and  eighty  wounded,  several  of  whom 
afterwards  died.  Jackson,  after  collecting  his 
dead  and  wounded,  advanced  his  army  beyond  the 
fort,  and  encamped  for  the  night.  The  Indians, 
who  had  been  for  several  days  shut  up  by  the  be- 
siegers, thus  fortunately  liberated  from  the  most 
dreadful  apprehensions,  and  severest  privations, 
having  for  some  time  been  entirely  without  water, 
received  the  army  v;ith  all  the  demonstrations  of 
gratitude  that  savages  could  give.  Their  man- 
ifestations of  joy  for  their  deliverance  presented 
an  interesting  and  affecting  spectacle.  Their  fears 
had  been  already  greatly  excited,  for  it  was  the 
very  day  when  they  were  to  have  been  assaulted, 
and  when  every  soul  within  the  fort  must  have 
perished.  All  the  provisions  they  could  spare 
from  their  scanty  stock,  they  sold  to  the  general 
who,  purchasing. with  his  own  money,  distributed 
them  amongst  the  soldiers,  who  were  almost  des- 
titute. 

The  condition  of  his  posts  m  the  rear,  and  the 
want  of  provisions,  (having  left  his  encampment  at 


56  LIFE    OF    CEXEllAL    JACKSON. 

Fort  Strother  with  little  more  than  one  day's  ra- 
tions,) compelled  him  to  return  ;  thus  giving  the 
enemy  time  to  recover. 

The  cause  which  prevented  General  White  from 
arriving  at  the  Ten  Islands  at  a  moment  Vvhen  it 
vras  so  important,  when  it  was  so  confidently  ex- 
pected, was  as  yet  unknown.  This  mystery,  hith- 
erto inexplicable,  was  some  time  after  explained, 
by  a  view  of  the  order  of  General  Cocke,  under 
\vhich  White,  being  a  brigadier  in  his  division, 
chose  to  act,  rather  than  under  Jackson's.  Gene- 
ral Cocke  stated  to  him,  he  had  understood  Jackson 
had  crossed  the  Coosa,  and  had  an  engagement 
with  the  Indians.  "I  have  formed  a  council  of 
officers  here,  and  proposed  these  questions  : — SiiaP' 
we  follow  him,  or  cross  the  river,  and  proceed  to 
the  Creek  settlements  on  the  Tallapoosa  ?  Both 
were  decided  unanimously, — that  he  should  not  be 
followed,  but  that  we  should  proceed  in  the  way 
pioposed  !"  He  remarked,  that  the  decision  had 
met  his  entire  approbation ;  and  directed  White 
forthwith  to  unite  with  him.  at  his  encampment; 
where  he  should  wait,  fortifying  it  strongly  for  a 
depot,  until  he  should  arrive.  "  If,"  said  he,  "  we 
follow  General  Jackson  and  his  arm.y,  we  must 
suffer  for  supplies ;  nor  can  we  expect  to  gain  a 
victory  Let  us  then  take  a  direction  in  wliich  we 
can  share  some  of  the  dangers  and  glories  of  the 
tleld.  You  will  employ  pilots,  and  advise  me  which 
eide  of  the  river  you  will  move  up."  In  this,  as  in 
every  other  measure,  it  seemed  to  be  the  studied 
aim  of  Cocke  to  thwart  the  views  and  arrest  the 
successes  of  Jackson ;  and  perhaps  jealousy,  in  no 
inconsiderable  degree,  was  the  moving  spring  to 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON  5T 

his  conduct.  Both  were  majoi -generals,  from  the 
state  of  Tennessee,  sent  on  the  same  important 
errand,  to  check  an  insolent  foe. 

Having  buried  his  dead,  and  provided  litters  for 
the  wounded,  Jackson  reluctantly  commenced  his 
return  march  on  the  morning  succeeding  the  battle. 
He  confidently  hoped,  from  the  previous  assurances 
of  the  contractors,  that,  by  the  time  of  his  return 
to  Fort  Strother,  sufficient  supplies  would  have 
arrived  there ;  but,  to  his  inexpressible  uneasi- 
ness, he  found  that  not  a  particle  had  been  for- 
warded since  his  departure,  and  that  what  had 
been  left  was  already  consumed.  Even  his  private 
stores,  brought  on  at  his  own  expense,  and  upon 
which  he  and  his  staff  had  hitherto  wiiolly  sub- 
sisted, had  been,  in  his  absence,  distributed  amongst 
the  sick  by  the  hospital  surgeon,  who  had  been 
previously  instructed  to  do  so,  in  the  event  their 
wants  should  require  it.  A  few  dozen  biscuit, 
which  remained  on  his  return,  were  given  to 
hungry  applicants,  without  being  tasted  by  himself 
or  family,  who  were  probably  not  less  hungry  than 
those  who  were  thus  relieved.  A  scanty  supply  of 
indifferent  beef,  taken  from  the  enemy,  or  pur- 
chased of  the  Cherokees,  was  now  the  only  sup- 
port afforded.  Thus  lefl  destitute,  Jackson,  with 
the  utmost  cheerfulness  of  temper,  repaired  to  the 
bullock  pen,  and,  of  the  offal  there  thrown  away, 
provided  for  himself  and  stafl',  what  he  was  pleased 
to  call,  a  very  comfortable  repast.  Tripes,  how- 
ever, hastily  provided  in  a  camp,  without  bread  or 
seasoning,  can  only  be  palatable  to  an  appetite 
very  highly  whetted  ;  yet  this  constituted,  for  seve- 
ral days,  the  only  diet  at  head-quarters ;  during 
which  time,  the  general   seemed  entirely  satisfied 


53  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSSN. 

Avitli  Ills  fare.  Neitlier  tliis,  nor  the  liberal  dona  • 
tions  by  which  he  disfurnished  himself,  to  relieve 
the  Ru^ering  soldier,  deserves  to  be  ascribed  to 
ostentation  or  design  :  the  one  flowed  from  benevo- 
lence, the  other  from  necessity,  and  a  desire  to 
place  before  his  men  an  example  of  patience  and 
Buffering,  which  he  felt  might  be  necessary. 

In  this  campaign,  a  soldier  one  morning,  with  a 
wo-begono  countenance,  approached  the  general, 
stating  that  he  was  nearly  starved,  that  he  had 
nothing  to  eat,  and  could  not  imagine  what  he 
ehould  do.  He  was  the  more  encouraged  to  com- 
plain, from  perceiving  that  the  general,  who  had 
eeated  himself  at  the  root  of  a  tree,  waiting  the 
coming  up  of  the  rear  of  the  army,  was  busily  en- 
gaged in  eating  sometliing.  The  poor  fellow  was 
impressed  w^th  the  belief,  from  what  he  saw,  that 
want  only  attached  to  the  soldiers,  and  that  tho 
officers,  particularly  the  general,  were  liberally 
supplied,  lie  accordingly  approached  h'm  with 
great  confidence  of  being  relieved.  Jackson  told 
him,  that  it  had  always  been  a  rule  with  him  never 
to  turn  away  a  hungry  man  when  it  was  in  his 
power  to  relieve  him.  I  will  most  cheerfully,  said 
he,  divide  with  you  what  I  have  ;  and,  putting  his 
hand  to  his  pocket,  drew  forth  a  few  acorns,  from 
which  he  had  been  feasting,  adding,  it  was  the  best 
and  only  fare  he  had.  The  soldier  seemed  much 
surprised,  and  forthwith  circulated  amongst  his 
comrades,  that  tlieir  general  was  actually  subsisting 
upon  acorns,  and  that  they  ought  no  more  to  com- 
plain. From  this  circumstance  was  derived  the 
etory  heretofore  published  to  the  world,  that  Jack- 
son, about  the  period  of  his  greatest  suffering,  and 
with  a  view  to  inspirit  them,  had  hwited  his  officers 


L[FE    OF    GENEIUL   JACKSON.  Sf^ 

o  dine  with  Iiim,  iind  presented,  for  their  repast, 
water,  and  a  tray  of  acorns. 

But  discontents,  and  a  desire  to  return  home, 
arose,  and  presently  spread  through  the  camp ;  and 
these  were  still  further  augmented,  by  the  arts  of 
a  few  designing  officers,  who,  believing  that  the 
campaign  would  now  break  up,  hoped  to  make 
themselves  popular  on  the  return,  by  taking  part 
in  the  complaints  of  the  soldiery.  It  is  a  singular 
fact,  that  those  officers  who  pretended,  on  this 
occasion,  to  feel  most  sensibly  for  the  wants  of  tlic 
army,  had  never  themselves  been  without  pro- 
visions. 

During  this  period  of  scarcity  and  discontent, 
small  quantities  of  supplies  w^ere  occasionally  for- 
warded by  the  contractors,  but  not  a  sufficiency 
for  present  want,  and  still  less  to  remove  the  ap- 
prehensions that  were  entertained  for  the  future. 
At  length  revolt  began  to  show  itself  openly.  The 
officers  and  soldiers  of  the  militia,  collecting  in 
tlicir  tents,  and  talking  over  their  grievances,  de- 
termined to  yield  up  their  patriotism,  and  to  abanr 
don  the  camp.  To  this  measure  there  were  good 
evidences  for  believing  that  several  of  the  officers 
of  the  old  volunteer  corps  exerted  themselves 
cla.ndestinely,  and  with  great  industry,  to  insti- 
gate them ;  looking  upon  themselves  somewhat  in 
the  light  of  veterans,  from  the  discipline  they  had 
acquired,  they  were  umvilling  to  be  seen  foremost 
in  setting  an  example  of  mutiny,  and  wished  to 
make  tlie  defection  of  others  a  pretext  for  their 
own. 

Jackson,  apprized  of  their  determination  to 
abandon  him,  resolved  to  oppose  it,  and  it  all 
hazard.     In  the  morning,  w-hen  they  were  to  carry 


60  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

their  intentions  into  execution,  he  drew  up  the 
volunteers  in  front  of  them,  with  positive  com- 
mands to  prevent  tlieir  progress,  and  compel  them 
to  return  to  their  former  position  in  the  camp. 
The  militia,  seeing  this,  and  fearing  the  conse- 
quences of  persisting  in  their  purpose,  at  once 
abandoned  it,  and  returned  to  their  quarters  witli- 
out  further  murmuring,  extolling,  in  the  highest 
terms,  the  unalterable  firmness  of  the  general. 

The  next  day,  however,  presented  a  singulai 
scene.  The  volunteers,  who  the  day  before  had 
been  the  instruments  for  compelling  the  militia  to 
return  to  their  duty,  seeing  the  destruction  of  those 
hopes  on  which  they  had  lately  built,  in  turn  be- 
gan, themselves,  to  mutiny.  Their  opposition  to 
the  departure  of  the  militia  was  but  a  mere  pre- 
tence, to  escape  suspicion,  for  they  silently  wished 
them  success.  They  now  determined  to  move  off 
in  a  body,  believing,  from  the  known  disaffection  in 
the  camp,  that  the  general  could  find  no  means  to 
prevent  it.  What  was  their  surprise,  when,  on 
attempting  to  effectuate  their  resolves,  they  found 
the  same  men,  whom  they  had  so  lately  opposed, 
occupying  the  very  position  which  they  had  done 
the  day  previous,  for  a  similar  purpose,  and  mani- 
festing a  fixed  determination  to  obey  the  orders  of 
their  general !  All  they  ventured  to  do  was,  to 
take  the  example  through,  and,  like  them,  move 
back  in  peace  and  qiiietness  to  their  quarters. 
This  was  a  curious  change  of  circumstancci?,  when 
we  consider  in  how  short  a  time  it  happened ;  but 
the  conduct  of  the  militia,  on  this  occasion,  must 
be  ascr'bed  to  the  management  of  the  general,  and 
to  the  giatification  they  felt,  in  being  able  to  de- 
feat the  views  of  those  who  had  so  lately  thwartct! 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  Gl 

their  own.  To  this  may  be  also  added,  the  con- 
Bciousness  all  must  have  entertained,  that  the  pri- 
vations of  which  they  complained,  were  far  less 
grievous  than  they  had  represented  them  ;  by  no 
means  sufficient  to  justify  revolt,  and  not  greater 
than  patriots  might  be  expected  to  bear  witliont  a 
murmur,  when  objects  of  such  high  consideration 
were  before  them.  But,  anxious  to  return  to  their 
families,  wearied  of  their  sufferings,  they  seized 
with  eagerness  every  pretext  for  exoneration,  and 
listened  with  too  much  docility  to  the  representa- 
tions of  those,  who  were  influenced  by  less  hon- 
ourable feelings;  The  militia  continued  to  show 
a  much  more  patriotic  disposition  than  the  volun- 
teers ;  who,  having  adopted  a  course  which  they 
discovered  must  finally  involve  them  in  dishonour 
if  it  should  fail,  were  exceedingly  anxious  for  its 
success.  On  this  subject,  the  pretensions  of  tlie 
cavalry  were  certainly  much  better  established ;  as 
they  were  entirely  without  forage,  and  without  the 
prospect  of  speedily  obtaining  any.  They  pe- 
titioned, therefore,  to  be  permitted  to  return  into  the 
settled  parts  of  the  country,  pledging  themselves, 
by  their  platoon  and  field-officers,  that,  if  sufficient 
time  were  allov/ed  to  recruit  the  exhausted  state  of 
their  horses,  and  to  procure  their  winter  clothing, 
they  would  return  to  the  performance  of  their  duty 
whenever  called  on.  The  general,  unable,  from 
many  causes,  to  prosecute  the  campaign,  and  con- 
fiding in  the  assurance  given,  granted  the  prayer 
of  tlieir  petition,  and  they  immediately  set  out  on 
their  return. 

About  this  time,  General  Jackson's  prospect  of 
being  able  to  maintain  the  conquests  he  had  made^ 
began  to  be  cheered  by  letiers  just  received  from 

a 


62  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOIV- 

the  contractors  and  principal  wagon-master,  statin<^ 
that  sufficient  supplies  for  the  army  were  then  on 
the  road,  and  would  shortly  arrive :  but  discontents 
to  an  alarming  degree  still  prevailed  in  his  camp. 
To  allay  them,  if  possible,  he  hastened  to  lay  be- 
fore the  division  the  information  and  letters  he  had 
received,  and,  at  the  same  time,  invited  the  field 
and  platoon-officers  to  his  quarters,  to  consult  on 
the  measures  proper  to  be  pursued.  lie  addressed 
them  in  an  animated  speech,  in  which  he  extolk  «1 
their  patriotism  and  achievements;  lamented  the 
privations  to  which  they  had  been  exposed,  and 
endeavoured  to  reanimate  them  by  the  prospect  of 
speedy  relief,  which  he  expected  with  confidence 
on  the  following  day.  He  spoke  of  the  immense 
importance  of  the  conquests  they  had  already  made, 
and  of  the* dreadful  consequences  that  must  result, 
should  they  be  now  abandoned.  "  What,"  con- 
tinued he,  "is  the  present  situation  of  our  camp? 
A  number  of  our  fellow  soldiers  are  wounded,  and 
unable  to  help  themselves.  Shall  it  be  said  that 
we  are  so  lost  to  humanity  as  to  leave  them  in 
this  condition  ?  Can  any  one,  under  these  circum- 
stances, and  under  tliese  prospects,  consent  to  an 
abandonment  of  the  camp  ?  of  all  that  \ve  have 
acquired  in  the  midst  of  so  many  difficulties,  priva 
tions,  and  dangers?  of  what  it  will  cost  us  so  much 
to  regain  ?  of  what  we  never  can  regain, — our 
brave  wounded  companions,  who  will  be  murdered 
by  our  unthinking,  unfeeling  inhumanity?  Surely 
there  can  be  none  such !  No,  we  will  take  with 
us,  when  we  go,  our  wounded  and  sick.  They 
must  not — shall  not  perish  by  our  cold-blooded 
indifference.  But  why  should  )'ou  despond  ?  I 
do  not,  and  yet  your  wants  are  not  greater  than 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON  6^ 

mine.  To  be  sure  we  do  not  live  sumptuously , 
but  no  one  lias  died  of  hunger,  or  is  liicely  to 
die;  and  then,  how  animating-  are  our  prospects  I 
Largo  supplies  arc  at  Deposit,  and  already  arc 
officers  despatched  to  hasten  them  on.  Wagons 
are  on  the  way ;  a  large  number  of  beeves  are 
in  tlie  neighbo  ^rhood ;  and  detachments  are  out 
to  bring  them  in. — All  these  resources  surely 
cannot  fail.  I  have  no  wish  to  starve  you — none 
to  deceive  you.  Stay  contentedly ;  and,  if  sup- 
pli'js  do  not  arrive  in  two  days,  we  will  all  march 
back  together,  and  throw  the  blame  of  our  failure 
where  it  should  properly  lie ;  until  then,  we  cer- 
tainly have  the  means  of  subsisting ;  and  if  we 
are  compelled  to  bear  privations,  let  us  renember 
that  they  are  borne  for  our  country,  and  are  not 
greater  than  many,  perhaps  most  armies,  have 
been  compelled  to  endure.  I  have  called  you 
together,  to  tell  you  my  feelings  and  my  wishes; 
this  evening  think  on  them  seriously ;  and  let  me 
know  yours  in  the  morning." 

Having  retired  to  their  tents,  the  officers  of  the 
volunteer  brigade  came  to  the  conclusion,  that 
"  nothing  short  of  marcliing  the  army  immediately 
back  to  the  settlements  could  prevent  those  difficul- 
ties and  that  disgrace,  which  must  attend  a  forcible 
desertion  of  the  camp  by  his  soldiers."  The  offi- 
cers of  the  militia  determined  differently,  and  re- 
ported a  willingness  to  maintain  the  post  a  few  days 
longer.  "  If  provisions  arrive,  let  us  proceed  with 
the  campaign ;  if  not,  let  us  be  marched  back  to 
where  it  can  be  procured."  The  general,  who 
greatly  preferred  the  latter  opinion,  to  allay  excite- 
ment, was  disposed  to  gratify  those  who  appearea 
unwilling  to  submit  to  further  hardships*  and  with 


64  LIFE    OP    OENERAIi    JACKSOIV. 

lliis  view  ordered  General  Hall  to  march  hi3  orijj- 
ade  to  Fort  Deposit,  and,  after  satisfying  their 
wants,  to  return  and  act  as  an  escort  to  the  pro- 
visions. The  second  reo:iment,  however,  unwilhng 
to  be  outdone  by  the  militia,  consented  to  remain , 
and  the  first  proceeded  alone.  On  this  occasion  he 
could  not  forbear  to  remark,  that  men  for  whom 
he  iiad  ever  clierished  so  warm  an  affection,  and 
for  v/hom  he  would  at  all  times  have  made  any 
sacrifice,  desiring  to  abandon  him  at  a  moment 
when  their  presence  was  so  particularly  necessar}^, 
^lled  him  with  emotions  which  the  strongest  lan- 
guage was  too  feeble  to  express.  "  I  v/as  prepar- 
ed," continued  the  general,  "to  endure  every  evil 
but  disgrace ;  and  this,  as  I  never  can  submit  to 
myself,  I  can  give  no  encouragement  to  in  others." 
Two  day^  had  elapsed  since  the  departure  of  the 
volunteers,  and  supplies  had  not  arrived.  The 
militia,  with  great  earnestness,  now  demanded  a 
performance  of  the  pledge  tliat  had  been  given — 
that  they  should  be  marched  back  to  the  settle- 
ments. Jackson,  on  giving  them  an  assurance  that 
they  should  return,  if  relief  did  not  reach  them 
in  two  days,  had  indulged  a  confidence  that  it 
would  certainly  arrive  by  that  time ;  and  now  • 
from  the  information  he  had  received,  felt  moro 
than  ever  certain  that  it  could  not  be  far  distant. 
Having,  however,  pledged  himself,  he  could  use  no 
arguments  or  entreaties  to  detain  them  any  longer, 
and  immediately  took  measures  for  complying  with 
their  wishes,  and  the  promise  he  had  made  them. 
This  was,  to  him,  a  moment  of  the  deepest  dejec- 
tion. He  foresaw  how  difilcult  it  would  be  ever  to 
accomplish  tlie  object  upon  wliich  his  heart  was  so 
devoutly  fixed,  should  ho  lose  the  men  who  were 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  66 

now  with  him ;  or  even  to  reg-ain  the  conquests  he 
had  made,  if  liis  present  posts  should  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  While  thus  ponderinjr  on 
the  gloomy  prospect,  he  lifted  up  his  hands,  and  ex- 
claimed, with  a  look  and  manner  which  showed 
how  much  he  felt,  "  If  only  two  men  will  remain 
with  me,  I  will  never  abandon  this  post."  Captain 
Gordon,  of  the  spies,  facetiously  replied,  "  you 
have  one,  general ;  let  us  look  if  we  can't  find  an- 
other ;"  and  immediately,  with  a  zeal  suited  to  tha 
occasion,  undertook,  with  some  of  the  general  staff, 
to  raise  volunteers ;  and  in  a  little  while  succeeded 
in  procuring  one  hundred  and  rine,  who  declared  a 
determination  to  remain  and  protect  the  post.  The 
general,  greatly  rejoiced  that  he  would  not  be  com 
pelled  to  an  entire  abandonment  of  his  position, 
now  set  out  towards  Deposit,  with  the  remainder 
of  the  army,  who  were  given  distinctly  to  under- 
stand, tliat  on  meeting  supplies  they  were  to  return 
dnd  prosecute  the  campaign.  This  was  an  event, 
which,  as  it  had  been  expected  and  foretold,  soon 
took  place  ;  they  had  not  proceeded  more  than  ten 
or  twelve  miles,  when  they  met  a  hundred  and  fifty 
beeves  ;  but  a  sight  which  gave  to  Jackson  so  much 
satisfaction,  was  to  them  the  most  unwelcome. 
Their  faces  being  now  turned  towards  home,  no 
spectacle  could  be  more  hateful  than  one  which 
was  to  change  their  destination.  They  were 
halted,  and,  having  satisfied  their  appetites,  the 
troops,  with  the  exception  of  such  as  wore  neces- 
sary to  proceed  with  the  sick  and  wounded,  were 
ordered  to  return  to  the  encampment ;  he  himself 
intending  to  see  the  contractors,  and  establish  more 
effectual  arrangements  for  the  future.  So  great 
was  their  aversion  to  returning,  that  they  preferred 
6* 


66  LIFE    OF    r.ENERAL   JACKSON. 

a  violation  of  their  duty  and  their  pledged  honour. 
Low  murmurings  ran  along  the  lines,  and  presently 
broke  out  into  open  mutiny.  In  spite  of  the  order 
they  had  received,  tliey  began  to  revolt,  and  one 
company  was  already  moving  off,  in  a  direction 
towards  home.  They  had  proceeded  some  distance, 
before  information  of  their  departure  vras  had  by 
Jackson.  Irritated  at  their  conduct,  in  attempting 
to  violate  the  promise  they  had  given,  the  general 
pursued,  until  he  came  near  a  part  of  his  statf,  and 
a  few  soldiers,  who,  with  General  Coffee,  had 
halted  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  ahead.  He  or- 
dered them  to  form  immediately  across  the  road, 
and  to  fire  on  the  mutineers  if  they  attempted  to 
proceed.  Snatching  up  their  arms,  these  faithful 
adherents  presented  a  front  whicli  threw  the  de- 
serters into  -affright,  and  caused  them  to  retreat 
precipitately  to  the  main  body.  Here,  it  was  hoped, 
the  matter  v/ould  end,  and  that  no  further  oppo- 
sition would  be  made  to  returning.  This  expecta- 
tion was  not  realized ;  a  mutinous  temper  began 
presently  to  display  itself  throughout  the  wJiole 
brigade.  Jackson,  having  left  his  aid-de-camp, 
Major  Reid,  engaged  in  making  up  some  despatch- 
es, had  gone  out  alone  amongst  his  troops,  who 
were  at  some  distance ;  on  his  arrival,  he  found  a 
much  more  extensive  mutiny  than  that  which  had 
just  been  quelled.  Almost  the  whole  brigade  had 
put  itself  into  an  attitude  for  moving  forcibly  off. 
A  crisis  had  arrived ;  and,  feeling  its  importance, 
he  determined  to  take  no  middle  ground,  but  to 
triumph  or  perish.  He  was  still  without  the  use  of 
h:3  loft  arm ;  but,  seizing  a  musket,  and  resting  it 
on  the  neck  of  his  horse,  lie  threw  himself  in  front 
of  the  column,   and  threatened  to  shooi  the  iir<st 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    jACIvSON.  6? 

man  who  should  attempt  to  advance.  In  this  fiitua- 
tion  lie  was  found  by  Major  Reid  and  General 
Coffee,  who,  fearing,  from  the  length  of  his  ab- 
sence, that  some  disturbance  had  arisen,  hastened 
where  he  was,  and,  placing  themselves  by  his  side, 
awaited  the  result  in  anxious  expectation.  For 
many  minutes  the  column  preserved  a  sullen,  yet 
hesitating  attitude,  fearing  to  proceed  in  their  pur- 
pose, and  disliking  to  abandon  it.  In  the  mean  time, 
those  who  remained  faithful  to  their  duty,  amount- 
ing to  about  two  com.panies,  were  collected  and 
formed  at  a  short  distance  in  advance  of  the  troops, 
and  in  rear  of  the  general,  with  positive  directions 
to  imitate  his  examj)le  in  firing,  if  they  attempted 
to  proceed.  At  length,  finding  no  one  bold  enough 
to  advance,  and  overtaken  by  those  fears  which  in 
the  hour  of  peril  always  beset  persons  engaged  in 
what  they  know  to  be  a  bad  cause,  they  abandoned 
their  purpose,  and,  turning  quietly  round,  agreed  to 
return  to  their  posts.  It  is  very  certain,  that,  but 
for  the  firmness  of  the  general,  a,t  this  critical  mo- 
ment, the  campaign  would  have  been  broken  up, 
and  most  probably  not  commenced  again. 

Shortly  a^ter  the  battle  of  Talladega,  the  Hilla- 
bee  tribes  applied  to  General  Jackson  for  peace , 
declaring  their  willingness  to  receive  it  on  such 
terms  as  he  might  be  pleased  to  dictate.  His  de- 
cision had  been  already  returned,  stating  to  them 
that  his  government  had  taken  up  arms,  to  brmg  to 
a  proper  sense  of  duty  a  people  to  wliom  slie  had 
ever  shown  the  utmost  kindness,  and  who,  never 
theless,  had  committed  against  her  citize -s  tl>o 
most  unprovoked  depredations;  and  tliat  r-he  vou.d 
lay  them  down  oniy  when  certain  that  lira   clj^it 


63  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

v.-aa'  attained. '^  '•  Upon  tliose,"  continued  he,  "  wht 
are  disposed  to  become  friendly,  I  neither  wish  noi 
intend  to  make  war;  but  tliey  must  afford  evi- 
dences of  the  sincerity  of  their  professions ;  the 
prisoners  and  property  tliey  have  taken  from  us, 
and  the  friendly  Creeks,  must  be  restored  ;  the  in- 
stiirators  of  tlie  war,  and  the  murderers  of  our 
citizens,  must  be  surrendered;  the  latter  must  and 
uiil  be  made  to  feel  the  force  of  our  resentment 
Long  shall  they  remember  Fort  Mimms  in  bitter 
ness  and  tears." 

Havincf  stated  to  General  Cocke,  whose  divisioB 
was  acting  in  this  section  of  the  nation,  the  propo- 
sitions that  had  been  made  by  the  Hillabee  clans, 
with  the  answer  he  had  returned,  he  proceeded  to 
Deposit  and  Ditto's  Landing,  where  the  most  elfec- 
tual  means  in  his  power  were  taken  with  the  contrac  • 
tors,  for  obtaining  regular  supplies  in  future.  They 
were  required  to  furnish,  immediately,  tliirty  days' 
rations  at  Fort  Strother,  forty  at  Talladega,  and  a3 
many  at  the  junction  of  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa ; 
two  hundred  pack  horses  and  forty  wagons  were 
put  in  requisition  to  facilitate  their  transportation. 

*  This  rcmmunication  di  J  not  arrive  in  time, — General  While, 
'.vho  liad  been  detached  for  that  purpose,  having,  llie  inorninjj^  op 
uhidi  it  was  written,  destroyed  tlieir  town,  killed  sixty,  anti 
made  two  hiindied  and  liily-six  prisoners.  1'he  event  was  un 
(orlunale;  and  in  it  may  |)er!uii)S  be  fonnd  the  reason  why 
t!;ese  savajxcs.  in  their  alter  battles,  fooght  with  the  desperation 
tliey  did,  obslniatoly  rcfusinix  to  ask  for  quarter.  They  behoved 
liiemselves  attacked  by  Jackson's  army;  they  knew  they  had 
asked  peace  upon  his  own  terms.  When,  therefore,  under  these 
circumstances,  they  saw  themselves  thus  assailed,  tliey  no  longer 
fonside.-ed  lliat  any  pacific  dis)X)silion  they  might  manifest  woula 
afford  them  protection  from  tiane^er ;  and  looked  ujx)n  it  as  a 
war  of  exirrmination.  In  liieir  [tallies,  afterwards,  mere  is  no 
'instance  of  their  asking  for  quarter,  or  even  manifesting  a  dia 
uosilion  to  rccene  it. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  63 

Understanding,  now,  that  the  whole  detacliment 
from  Tenneiseo  had,  by  the  president,  been  re- 
ceived into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  he 
persuaded  himself  that  the  difficulties  he  had 
heretofore  encountered  would  not  recur. 

The  volunteers  at  Deposit  began  to  manifest  the 
same  unwillingness  to  return  to  their  duty  that  the 
militia  had  done,  and  were  about  to  break  out  into 
the  same  spirit  of  mutiny  and  revolt ;  but  were 
restrained  by  an  animated  address  by  the  general. 

He  now  set  out  on  his  return  to  Fort  Strother, 
and  was  delighted  to  find,  by  the  progress  of  the 
works,  the  industry  that  had  been  used  in  his  ab- 
Bcnce.  But  the  satisfaction  he  felt  was  of  short 
continuance  ;  although  he  had  succeeded  in  stillip^ 
ike  tumult  of  the  volunteers,  and  in  prevailing  on 
them  to  return  to  their  posts,  it  was  soon  discovered 
he  had  not  eradicated  their  deep-rooted  aversion  to 
a  further  prosecution  of  the  war.  The  volunteers 
who  had  so  lately  clamoured  about  bread,  when 
they  were  no  longer  hungry,  began  to  clamour, 
with  equal  earnestness,  about  their  term  of  service. 
Having  lately  made  an  effort  to  forsake  the  drudg- 
ery of  the  field,  and  failed,  they  were  disposed  to 
avail  themselves  of  any  pretexts,  seemingly  plausi- 
ble, to  obtain  success.  They  insisted  that  the 
period,  for  which  they  had  undertaken  to  act,  would 
end  on  the  10th  of  December,  that  being  the  ter- 
mination of  a  year  from  the  day  they  had  first 
entered  into  service  ,  and,  although  tliey  had  been 
a  greater  part  of  the  time  unemployed,  that  recess 
was  nevertheless  to  be  taken  into  the  computation. 
Jackson  replied,  that  the  law  of  congress,  under 
which  they  had  been  accepted,  requiring  one  year's 


0  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON". 

service  out  of  two,  could  coutcir.piatc  nothing-  less 
than  an  actual  service  of  tliree  liundred  and  sixty- 
live  days ;  and,  until  that  were  performed,  he  could 
not,  unless  specially  authorized,  undertake  to  dis- 
cliarge  thein.  Ordering  General  Roberts  to  return, 
and  fill  up  the  deficiencies  in  his  brigade,  he  now 
despatched  Colonel  Carroll,  and  Major  Searcy,  one 
of  his  aids-de-camp,  into  Tennessee,  to  raise  vol 
unteers  for  six  months,  or  during  the  campaign  , 
writing  to  many  respectable  characters,  he  ex 
horted  them  to  contribute  all  their  assistance  to 
the  accomplishment  of  tliis  object.  To  a  letter, 
just  received  from  the  Reverend  Gideon  Black- 
burn, assuring  him  that  volunteers  from  Tennessee 
would  eagerly  hasten  to  his  relief,  if  they  knew 
their  services  were  wanted,  he  replied,  "Reverend 
Sir, — Your 'letter  has  been  just  received:  I  thank 
you  for  it ;  I  thank  you  most  sincerely.  It  arrived 
at  a  moment  when  my  spirits  needed  such  a  sup- 
port. 

"I  left  Tennessee  with  an  army,  brave,  I  be- 
lieve, as  any  general  ever  commanded.  I  have 
Been  them  in  battle,  and  my  opinion  of  their  bravery 
is  not  changed.  Bat  their  fortitude — on  this  too  I 
relied — has  been  too  severely  tested.  Perhaps  T 
was  wrong,  in  believinfr  that  nothingr  but  deatii 
could  conquer  the  spirits  of  brave  men.  I  am  sure 
I  was ;  for  my  men,  I  know,  are  brave ;  yet  priva 
lions  have  rendered  them  discontented : — that  h 
enough.  The  expedition  must,  nevertheless,  be 
prosecuted  to  a  successful  termination.  New  vol* 
unteers  must  be  raised,  to  conclude  what  has  been 
60  au.spiciously  begun  by  the  old  ones.  Gladk 
would  I  save  tliese  men  from  tliemselves,  and  en 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  71 

sure  them  a  harvest  which  they  have  sown ;  but  if 
they  will  abandon  it  to  others,  it  must  be  so. 

*•  You  are  good  enough  to  say,  if  I  need  your 
assistance,  it  will  be  cheerfully  afibrd-ed :  I  do  noed 
it  greatly.  The  influence  you  possess  over  the 
minds  of  men  is  great  and  well-founded,  and  can 
never  be  better  applied  than  in  summoning  volun- 
teers to  the  defence  of  their  country,  their  liberty, 
and  their  religion.  While  we  fight  the  savage, 
who  makes  war  only  because  he  delights  in  blocu, 
and  who  has  gotten  Ins  booty,  when  he  has  scalped 
his  victim,  we  are,  through  him,  contending  against 
an  enemy  of  more  inveterate  character,  and  deeper 
design — who  would  demolish  a  fabric  cemented  by 
the  blood  of  our  fathers,  and  endeared  to  us  by  all 
the  happiness  wc  enjoy.  So  far  as  my  exertions 
can  contribute,  the  purposes,  both  of  the  savage 
and  his  instigator,  shall  be  defeated ;  and,  so  far 
as  yours  can,  I  hope — I  know,  they  will  be  employ- 
ed. I  have  said  enough. — 1  want  men,  and  want 
them  immediately." 

He  wrote  to  General  Cocke,  urging  him  to  unite 
with  him  immediately,  at  the  Ten  Islands,  with 
fifteen  hundred  men.  He  assured  him  that  the 
mounted  men,  who  had  returned  to  tlie  settlements 
for  subsistence,  and  to  recruit  their  horses,  would 
arrive  by  the  12th  of  the  month.  He  wished  to 
commence  his  operations  directly,  "knowing  they 
would  be  prepared  for  it,  and  well  knowing  they 
would  require  it."  "  I  am  astonished,"  he  contin- 
ued, "  to  hear  that  your  supplies  continue  de.^cient. 
[n  the  name  of  God,  what  are  the  contractors  doing? 
and  about  what  are  they  engaged  ?  Every  letter  1 
receive  from  Governor  Blount  assures  me  I  am  to 
receive  plentiful  supplies  from  them,  and  seems  to 


<2  LIFE    OF    GENKRIL   JACKSON. 

take  for  granted,  notv/ithstanding  all  1  have  said  to 
the  contiMTy,  that  they  have  been  hitJierto  regularly 
furnished.  Considering  the  generous  loan  the 
state  has  made  for  this  purpose,  and  the  facility  of 
procuring  bread  stuffs  in  East  Tennessee,  and  of 
transporting  them  by  water  to  Fort  Deposit,  it  is  to 
me  wholly  unaccountable  that  not  a  pound  has  ever 
arrived  at  that  place.  This  evil  must  continue  no 
longer — it  must  be  remedied.  I  expect,  therefore, 
and  through  you  must  require,  that  in  twenty  days 
they  furnish  at  Deposit  every  necessary  supply."'^  • 
Whilst  these  measures  were  taking,  the  volun- 
teers, through  several  of  their  officers,  were  press- 
ing on  the  consideration  of  the  general,  the  ex- 
piration of  their  term  of  service,  and  claiming  to 
be  discharged  on  the  10th  of  the  month.  From 
the  colonel,  who  commanded  the  second  regiment, 
he  received  a  letter,  dated  the  4th,  in  which  was 
attempted  to  be  detailed  tlieir  whole  ground  of 
complaint.  He  began  by  stating,  that,  painful  as  it 
was,  he,  nevertheless,  felt  himself  bound  to  dis- 
close an  important  truth;  that,  on  the  10th,  the 
service  would  be  deprived  of  the  regiment  he  com- 
manded. He  seemed  to  deplore,  with  great  sensi- 
bility, the  scene  that  would  be  exhibited  on  thai 
day,  should  opposition  be  m.ade  to  their  departure ; 
and  still  more  sensibly,  the  consequences  that  would 
result  from  a  disorderly  abandonment  of  the  camp. 
He  stated  they  liad  all  considered  themselves  finally 
disci^arged  on  the  20th  of  April,  and  never  knew 
to  tiie  contrary,  until  tliey  saw  his  order  of  the  24th 
of   September,   requiring   them  to  rendezvous   at 

*  Independent  of  an  advantajjeons  contract  made  with  the 
.g;ovenimenl,  the   state  of  Tennessee  had  extended  to  this  con- 
tractor a  liberal  loan,  that  immediate  supplies  might  l>e  forwaro 
cd. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSO-\.  73^ 

Fayetteville,  on  the  4th  of  October ;  for  the  first 
time,  they  then  learned  that  they  owed  further  ser- 
vices, their  dischar<je  to  the  contrary  notwithstand- 
ing. "  Thus  situated,  there  was  considerable  op- 
position to  the  order  ;  on  which  the  officers  gener- 
ally, as  I  am  advised,  and  I  know  myself  in  partic- 
ular, gave  it  as  an  unequivocal  opinion,  that  their 
term  of  service  would  terminate  on  the  10th  of 
December. 

"  They  therefore  look  to  their  general,  who  holds 
their  confidence,  for  an  honourable  discharge  on 
that  day  ;  and  that,  in  every  respect,  he  wiO  see 
that  justice  be  done  them." 

Although  this  communication  announced  the  de- 
termination of  only  a  part  of  the  volunteer  brig- 
ade, he  had  already  abundant  evidence  that  the 
defection  was  but  too  general. 

"  I  know  not,"  he  observed,  "  what  scenes  will 
be  exhibited  on  the  10th  instant,  nor  what  con- 
sequences are  to  flow  from  them  here  or  else- 
where ;  but,  as  I  shall  have  the  consciousness  that 
they  are  not  imputable  to  any  misconduct  of  mine, 
I  trust  I  shall  have  the  firmness  not  to  shrink  from 
a  discharge  of  my  duty. 

"  It  will  be  well,  however,  for  those  who  intend 
to  become  actors  in  those  scenes,  and  who  are 
about  to  hazard  so  much  on  the  correctness  of  their 
opinions,  to  examine  beforehand,  with  great  caution 
and  deliberation,  the  grounds  on  which  their  pre» 
tensions  rest.  Are  they  founded  on  any  false 
assusauces  of  mine,  or  upon  any  deception  that 
has  been  practised  towards  them  ?  Was  not  the 
act  of  congress,  under  which  they  are  engaged, 
directed,  by  my  general  order,  to  be  read  and  ex- 
pounded to  them  before  they  enrolled  themselves  ' 
7 


/4  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

That  order  will  testify,  and  so  will  the  recollection 
of  every  general  officer  of  my  division.  It  is  not 
pretended  that  those  who  now  claim  to  be  dis- 
charged were  not  legally  and  fuirly  enrolled  under 
the  act  of  congress  of  the  6th  of  February,  1812. 
Have  they  performed  the  service  required  of  them 
by  that  act,  and  which  they  then  solemnly  under- 
took to  perform  ?  That  required  one  year's  ser- 
vice out  of  two,  to  be  computed  from  the  day  of 
rendezvous,  unless  they  should  be  sooner  discharg- 
ed. Has  one  year's  service  been  performed  ?  This 
cannot  be  seriously  pretended.  Have  they  then 
been  discharged  ?  It  is  said  they  have,  and  by  me. 
To  account  for  so  extraordinary  a  belief,  it  may  be 

necessary  to  take  a  review  of  past  circumstances.'* 
******* 

To  th^  platoon  officers,  who  addressed  him  on 
the  sam.e  subject,  he  replied  with  spirited  feeling  ; 
but  discontent  was  too  deeply  fastened,  and,  by  de- 
signing men,  had  been  too  artfully  fomented,  to  be 
removed  by  any  thing  like  argument  or  entreaty. 
At  length,  on  the  evening  of  the  9th,  General 
Hall  hastened  to  the  tent  of  Jackson,  with  informa- 
tion that  his  whole  brigade  was  in  a  state  of  muti- 
ny, and  making  preparations  to  move  forcibly  off. 
This  was  a  measure  which  every  consideration  of 
policy,  duty,  and  honour,  required  Jackson  to  op- 
pose ;  and  to  this  purpose  he  instantly  applied  all 
the  means  he  possessed.  He  immediately  issued 
the  following  general  order  : 

"  The  commanding  general  being  informed  that 
an  actual  mutiny  exists  in  his  camp,  all  officers  and 
soldiers  are  commanded  to  put  it  down. 

"  The  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  first  btigado 
will,  without  delay,  parade  on  the  west  side  of  tho 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  75 

fort,  and  await  further  orders."  The  artillery  com- 
pany, with  two  small  field-pieces,  being  posted  in 
the  front  and  rear,  and  the  militia,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Colonel  Wynne,  on  the  eminences  in 
advance,  were  ordered  to  prevent  any  forcible  de- 
parture of  the  volunteers. 

The  general  rode  along  the  line,  which  had  been 
previously  formed  agreeably  to  his  orders,  and 
addressed  them,  by  companies,  in  a  strain  of  im- 
passioned eloquence.  He  feelingly  expatiated  on 
their  former  good  conduct,  and  the  esteem  and 
applause  it  had  secured  them ;  and  pointed  to  the 
disgrace  which  they  must  heap  upon  themselves, 
their  families,  and  country,  by  persisting,  even  if 
they  could  succeed,  in  their  present  mutmy.  He 
told  them,  however,  they  should  not  succeed  but  by 
passing  over  his  body  ;  that  even  in  opposmg  their 
mutinous  spirit,  he  should  perish  honourably — by 
perishing  at  his  post,  and  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duty.  "  Reenforcements,"  he  continued,  "  are  pre- 
paring to  hasten  to  my  assistance :  it  cannot  be 
long  before  they  will  arrive.  I  am,  too,  in  daily 
expectation  of  receiving  information  whether  you 
may  be  discharged  or  not — until  then,  you  must 
not,  and  shall  not  retire.  I  have  done  with  en- 
treaty,— it  has  been  used  long  enough. — I  will 
attempt  it  no  more.  You  must  now  determine 
whether  you  will  go  or  peaceably  remain  :  if  you 
Still  persist  in  your  determination  to  move  forcibly 
off,  the  point  between  us  shall  soon  be  decided." 
At  first  they  hesitated  ; — he  demanded  an  explicit 
and  positive  answer.  They  still  hesitated,  and  he 
commanded  the  artillerists  to  prepare  the  match ; 
he  himself  remainmg  in  front  of  the  volunteers, 
and  within  the  line  of  fire,  which  he  intended  soca 


76  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

to  order.  Alarrned  at  his  apparent  determination, 
and  dreading  the  coasequences  involved  in  such  a 
contest ;  "  Let  us  return,"  was  presently  lisped 
along  the  line,  and  soon  after  determined  upon 
The  officers  now  came  forward,  and  pledged  them- 
selves for  their  men,  who  either  nodded  assent,  or 
openly  exoressed  a  willingness  to  retire  to  their 
quarters,  and  remain  without  further  tumult,  until 
iiiformation  were  had,  or  the  expected  aid  should 
arrive.  Thus  passed  away  a  moment  of  the  great- 
est peril,  and  pregnant  with  important  conse- 
quences. 

Although  the  immediate  execution  of  their  pur- 
pose was  thus  for  the  present  prevented,  it  was 
presently  ascertained  not  to  be  wholly  abandoned, 
and  that  nothing  could  be  expected  from  their 
future  fidelity  and  services.  Jackson,  therefore, 
determined  lo  rid  himself,  as  soon  as  possible,  of 
men  whose  presence  answered  no  other  end  than 
to  keep  alive  discontents  in  his  camp.  He  accord- 
ingly prepared  an  order  to  General  Hall,  to  march 
his  brigade  to  Nashville,  and  to  dispose  of  them  aa 
he  should  be  directed  b}''  the  governor  of  Tennes- 
see. Previous  to  promulgating  this,  he  resolved 
to  make  one  further  effort  to  retain  them,  and  to 
make  a  last  appeal  to  their  honour  and  patriotism. 
For  this  purpose,  having  assembled  them  before  the 
fort,  on  the  13th,  ho  directed  his  aid-de-camp  to 
read  an  address. 

Warm  and  feeling  as  was  the  appeal,  it  failed 
of  the  desired  effect.  Captain  Williamson  alone 
agreed  to  remain.  Finding  that  their  determina- 
tion to  abandon  tlie  service  could  not  be  chanired, 
and  that  every  principle  of  patriotism  was  forgot- 
ten, the  general  communicated  his  order  to  General 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  77 

Hall,  and  directed  him  to  march  his  brigade  to 
Nashville,  and  await  such  instructions  as  he  might 
receive  from  the  president,  or  the  governor  of  Ten- 
nessee. 

General  Cocke,  on  the  12th,  had  arrived  a>  Fort 
Strother  with  fitleen  hundred  men;  hut  it  was 
found  from  his  report,  that  no  part  of  his  troops 
had  been  brought  into  the  field  under  the  requisition 
of  the  president  of  the  United  States ;  and  that 
the  term  of  service  of  the  greater  portion  of  them 
would  expire  in  a  few  days,  and  of  the  whole 
in  a  few  weeks.  In  consequence  of  this,  he 
was  ordered  into  his  district,  to  comply  withjhat 
requisition,  and  to  carry  back  with  him,  and  to  dis- 
charge near  their  homes,  those  of  his  troops,  the 
period  of  whose  service  was  within  a  short  time  of 
being  ended.  Colonel  Lilliard's  regiment,  which 
consisted  of  about  eight  hundred,  and  whose  term 
of  service  would  not  expire  in  less  than  four  weeks, 
was  retained,  to  assist  in  defending  the  present 
post,  and  in  keeping  open  the  communication  with 
Deposit,  until  the  expected  reenforcements  should 
arrive  from  Tennessee. 

Meantime  the  cavalry  and  mounted  riflemen, 
who,  under  an  express  stipulation  to  return  and 
complete  the  campaign,  had  been  permitted  to  re- 
tire into  the  settlements,  had,  at  the  time  appointed 
re-assembled  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Huntsville. 
But,  catching  the  infection  of  discontent  from  the 
infantry,  on  their  return  march,  they  began  now 
to  clamour  with  equal  earnestness  for  a  discharge. 
The  cavalry  insisted  that  they  were  as  well  entitled 
to  it  as  the  infantry ;  and  the  riflemen,  that  they 
could  not  be  held  in  service  after  the  24th,  thai 
being  three  months  from  the  time  they  had  been 
7* 


.8  LIFE     OF    GE>'ERAL    JACKSOX. 

mustered  ;  and  that,  as  that  day  was  so  near  at 
hand,  it  was  wholly  useless  to  advance  any  farther. 
General  Coffee,  who  was  confined  at  Huntsville 
by  severe  indisposition,  employed  all  the  means 
which  his  debilitated  strength  would  allow,  to  re- 
move the  dangerous  impressions  they  had  so  readily 
imbibed,  and  to  reclaim  them  to  a  sense  of  honour 
and  of  duty  ;  but  all  his  efforts  proved  unavailing. 
He  immediately  ordered  his  brigade  to  head-quar 
ters  :  they  had  proceeded  as  far  as  Ditto's  Ferry 
when  the  greater  part  of  them,  refusing  to  cross 
the  river,  returned  in  a  tumultuous  manner,  com- 
mkting  on  the  route  innumerable  irregularities?^ 
wmch  there  was  no  force  sufficient  to  restrain. 
Not  more  than  seven  hundred  of  the  brigade  could 
be  gotten  over  ;  who,  having  marched  to  Deposit, 
were  directed  to  be  halted,  until  further  orders 
could  be  obtained  from  General  Jackson.  At  this 
place  they  committed  the  wildest  extravagances  ; 
profusely  wasting  the  public  grain,  which,  with 
much  difficulty  and  labour,  had  been  collected  for 
the  purpose  of  the  campaign  ;  and  indulging  in 
every  species  of  excess.  Whilst  thus  rioting, 
they  continued  to  clamour  vociferously  for  their 
discharge.  General  Coffee,  finding  his  utmost  ef- 
forts ineffectual  to  restrain  or  to  quiet  theni,  wrote 
to  Jackson,  acquainting  him  with  their  conduct  and 
demands,  and  enclosing  a  petition  that  had  been 
addressed  to  him  by  the  rifle  regiment.  In  his 
letter  he  says,  "  I  am  of  opinion  the  sooner  they 
can  be  gotten  clear  of  the  better ;  they  are  con- 
suming the  forage  that  will  be  necessary  for  others, 
and  I  am  satisfied  they  will  do  no  more  good.  I 
have  told  thom  their  petition  would  be  submitted 
to  you,  who  would  decide  upon  it  i»  tlie  shortest 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKS0!7  79 

possible  time."  This  was  truly  disagreeable  news 
to  the  general.  On  the  brigade  of  Coffee  he  had 
placed  great  reliance,  and,  from  the  pledges  it  had 
given  him,  entertained  no  fears  but  tliat  it  would 
return  and  act  with  him,  as  soon  as  he  should  be 
ready  to  proceed. 

The  signers  of  that  address,  observes  the  gen- 
eral, commence  by  saying,  "  that  jealousy  is  pre- 
vailing in  our  camp,  with  respect  to  the  understand- 
ing between  themselves  and  the  government  rela- 
tive to  the  service  required  of  them  ;  and,  believing 
t  to  be  its  policy  to  act  fairly,  are  of  opinion  that 
d  full  explanation  of  their  case  will  have  a  good 
effect  in  promoting  the  cause  in  which  they  are 
engaged." 

There  was  but  a  single  course  left  ;  to  point 
chem  to  the  pledge  they  had  given,  and  appeal  di- 
rectly to  their  honour,  believing  that  if  this  were 
unsuccessful,  there  was  "  nothing  by  which  he 
could  hope  to  hold  them." 

Jackson  had  just  received  a  letter  from  the  gov- 
ernor of  Tennessee,  in  answer  to  his  frequent  and 
pressing  inquiries,  as  to  the  disposition  which  should 
be  made  of  the  volunteers.  It  recommended  what 
had  already,  from  necessity,  been  done  ;  to  dis- 
miss— not  discharge  them,  because  the  latter  was 
not  in  the  power  of  either  of  them  : — nor  was 
their  dismission  to  be  given  because  founded  in 
right ;  but  because,  under  existing  circumstances, 
their  presence  could  not  prove  beneficial,  but  highly 
injurious.  To  induce  them  contentedly  to  remain, 
the  governor  had  suggested  but  one  argument, 
which  had  not  already  been  unsuccessfully  attempt- 
ed ;  "  that  it  was  very  doubtful  if  the  government 
i^'ould  pay  them  for  the  services  they  had  already 


90  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

rendered,  if  abandoned  without  her  authority." 
The  letter  was  therefore  enclosed  for  tlieir  in- 
spection, accompanied  with  these  remarks  : — "  1 
have  JDst  received  a  letter  from  Governor  Blount, 
which  I  hasten  to  transmit,  that  you  may  avail 
yourselves  of  whatever  benefits  and  privileges  it 
holds  out.  You  will  perceive,  that  he  does  not 
consider  he  has  any  power  to  discharge  you : — 
neither  have  I: — but  you  have  my  permission  to 
retire  from  the  service,  if  you  are  still  desirous, 
and  are  prepared  to  risk  the  consequences." 

These  letters,  so  far  from  answering  the  desired 
end,  had  a  contrary  effect.  The  governor's  was 
no  sooner  read,  than  they  eagerly  laid  hold  of  it 
to  support  the  resolution  they  had  already  formed  ; 
and,  without  further  ceremony  or  delay,  abandoned 
the  campaign,  with  their  colonel  at  their  head,  who, 
so  far  from  having  endeavoured  to  reconcile  them, 
is  believed,  by  secret  artifices,  to  have  fomented 
their  discontents. 

So  general  was  the  dissatisfaction  of  this  brig- 
ade, and  with  such  longing  anxiety  did  they  indulge 
the  hope  of  a  speedy  return  to  their  homes,  that 
their  impatience  did  not  permit  them  to  wait  the 
return  of  the  messenger  from  head-quarters.  Be- 
fore an  answer  could  reach  General  Coffee,  they 
had  broken  up  their  encampment  at  Deposit,  re- 
crossed  the  river,  and  proceeded  four  miles  beyond 
Huntsville.  On  receiving  it.  Coffee  had  the  brig- 
ade drawn  up  in  solid  column,  and  the  letters, 
together  with  the  pledge  tliey  had  given,  read  to 
them ;  after  which  the  Reverend  Mr.  Blackburn 
endeavoured  in  an  eloquent  speech,  in  ^hich  he 
pointed  out  the  ruinous  consequences  that  were  to 
be  apprehended,  if  they  persisted  in  their  present 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL   JACKSON.  81 

purpose,  to  recall  them  to  a  sense  of  duty,  and  of 
honour  :  but  they  had  formed  their  resolution  too 
steadfastly,  and  had  gone  too  extravagant  lengths, 
to  be  influenced  by  the  letter,  the  pledge,  or  the 
speech.  As  to  the  pledge,  a  few  said  they  nad 
not  authorized  it  to  be  made  ;  others,  that,  as  the 
general  had  not  returned  an  imme4iate  acceptance, 
they  did  not  consider  themselves  bound  by  it;  but 
the  greater  part  candidly  acknowledged,  that  they 
stood  committed,  and  were  without  any  justification 
for  their  present  conduct.  Thus,  in  a  tumultuous 
manner,  they  abandoned  their  post  and  their  duty, 
and,  committing  innumerable  extravagances,  re 
gardless  alike  of  law  and  decency,  continued  their 
route  to  their  respective  homes. 


Bd  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKROV. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Oisconleiits  of  Hie  militia. — Governor-  Blount  recommends  an  abm- 
dunmait  of  i'te  service. — Jacksori's  reply  to  Ids  Idler. —  Tiic 
governor  lakes  vicasurps  for  bringing  out  a  SJiJicient  force.— 
Conduct  of  Generijd  Roberts. — His  brigade  retires  from  ser 
Hce. — Lieutenant  Kearleij. — Arrival  of  additional  forces.— 
Arrest  of  ofkers. — Expedition  against  the  Indians. — His- 
motives.— Battle  of  Enmckfiw. — General  feoffee  procreds  to 
destroy  the  enemy's  fortif cations. — Second  battle  of  KvMck' 
fair. —  Troops  commence  their  return  marcJi. — Ambuscade 
foniicd  by  tlie  Indians. — Batik  of  Enotichopco. 

But,  whilst  these  unfortunate  events  were  tran- 
spiring in  the  rear,  matters  were  far  from  wearing 
an  encouraging  aspect  at  head-quarters.  The 
brigade  of  West  Tennessee  militia,  consisting  of 
only  about  six  hundred,  imitating  the  evil  examples 
of  others,  began  to  turn  their  attention  towards 
liome.  Believing  that  three  months  constituted  the 
lour  of  duty  contemplated  in  the  act  under  which 
they  engaged,  they  insisted  that  it  would  termin- 
ate on  the  4th  of  the  ensuing  month.  It  is  true, 
the  act  had  not  defined  the  term  of  their  en/raore- 
ment ;  but  it  had  specified  the  object  of  calling 
them  out,  viz.  to  subdue  the  Indians ; — and,  as  that 
object  had  not  yet  been  attained,  it  was  believed, 
that,  at  present,  they  were  not  entitled  to  a  dis- 
charge. These  troops,  although  raised  by  the 
Btate  authorities,  had  been,  by  the  particular  re- 
commendation of  the  legislature,  received  into  the 
service  of  the  general  government,  under  the  act 
of  congress  authorizing  the  president  to  call  out  a 
hundred  thousand  militia,  to  serve  for  six  months, 
unless  by  his  own  order  they  should  be  previously 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  83 

dismissed.  The  militia  of  East  Tennessee,  having 
been  specially  mustered  into  service  for  three 
months,  would,  of  course,  be  entitled  to  claim  their 
dismissal  at  the  expiration  of  that  period ;  hence 
Colonel  Lilliard's  regiment,  which  constituted  more 
than  one  half  the  present  force  at  head-quarters, 
would  be  lost  to  the  service  on  the  14th  of  the 
next  month. 

With  the  failure  of  General  Cocke,  to  bring  into 
the  field  the  number  and  description  of  troops  which 
he  had  been  ordered  to  raise  under  the  requisition 
of  the  president,  as  well  as  with  the  temper  and 
demands  of  those  who  were  in  service,  Jack- 
son kept  the  governor  of  Tennessee  correctly  ad- 
vised, and  omitted  no  opportunity  of  entreating 
him,  in  the  most  pressing  manner,  to  take  the 
earliest  measures  for  supplying  by  draft,  or  volun- 
tary enlistment,  the  present  deficiency,  as  well  as 
that  which,  from  every  appearance,  was  soon  to  be 
expected.  To  these  solicitations,  he  had  now  re- 
ceived the  governor's  answer,  who  ctated,  that, 
having  given  an  order  to  bring  into  the  field  fifteen 
hundred  of  the  detached  militia,  as  was  required  by 
the  secretary  of  war,  and  a  thousand  volunteers, 
under  the  act  of  the  legislature  of  Tennessee  of  the 
24th  September,  he  did  not  feel  himself  authorized 
to  grant  any  new  mandate,  although  satisfied  that 
the  first  had  not  been  complied  with  ;  that  he  view- 
ed the  furtlier  prosecution  of  the  campaign,  at- 
tended as  it  was  Vv'ith  so  many  embarrassments,  as 
a  fruitless  endeavour ;  and  concluded  by  recom- 
mending, as  advisable,  to  withdraw  the  troops  into 
the  settlements,  and  suspend  all  active  operations 
until  the  general  government  should  provide  more 
effectua]   means  for  conducting  it  to  a  favourable 


94  LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

result.  Jackson,  far  from  having  any  intention  to 
yield  to  this  advice,  determined  to  oppose  it.  Still. 
however,  he  was  greatly  concerned  at  the  view  the 
chief  magistrate  of  his  state  seemed  to  take  of  a 
question  of  such  vital  importance  ;  and  immediately 
proceeded  to  unfold  himself  fully,  and  to  suggest 
the  course,  which,  he  believed,  on  the  present  oc- 
casion, it  behooved  them  both  to  pursue :  pointing 
out  the  ruinous  consequences  that  might  be  expected 
to  result  from  the  adoption  of  the  measure  he  had 
undertaken  to  recommend : — he  continues : 

"  Had  your  wish,  that  I  should  discharge  a  part 
of  my  force,  and  retire,  with  the  residue,  into  tlie 
settlements,  assumed  the  form  of  a  positive  order, 
it  might  have  furnished  me  some  apology  for  pur- 
suing such  a  course  ;  but  by  no  means  a  full  justi- 
.  fication.  As  you  woulfl  have  no  power  to  give 
such  an  order,  I  could  not  be  inculpable  in  obeying, 
with  my  eyes  open  to  the  fatal  consequences  that 
would  attend  it.  But  a  bare  recommendation, 
founded,  as  I  am  satisfied  it  must  be,  on  the  artful 
suggestions  of  tliose  fire-side  patriots,  who  seek,  in 
a  failure  of  the  expedition,  an  excuse  for  their  own 
supineness, — and  upon  the  misrepresentations  of  the 
discontented  from  the  army,  who  wish  it  to  be  be- 
lieved, that  the  difficulties  which  overcame  their  pat- 
riotism are  wholly  insurmountable — would  afford  me 
but  a  feeble  shield  against  the  reproaches  of  my 
country  or  my  conscience.  Believe  me,  my  respected 
friend,  the  remarks  I  make  proceed  from  the  purest 
personal  regard.  If  you  would  preserve  your 
reputation,  or  that  of  the  state  over  which  you 
preside,  you  must  take  a  straight-forward,  determin- 
ed course ;  regardless  of  the  applause  or  censure 
of  the  populace,  and   of  the  forebodings  of  that 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  85 

dastardly  and  designing  crew,  who,  at  a  time  like 
this,  may  be  expected  to  clamour  continually  in 
vour  ears.  The  very  wretches  who  now  beset 
you  with  evil  counsel,  will  be  the  first,  should  the 
measures  which  they  recommend  eventuate  in  dis- 
aster, to  call  down  imprecations  on  your  head,  and 
load  you  with  reproaches.  Your  country  is  in  dan- 
ger : — apply  its  resources  to  its  defence  !  Can  any 
course  be  more  plain  ?  Do  you,  my  friend,  at  such 
a  moment  as  the  present,  sit  with  your  arms  folded, 
and  your  heart  at  ease,  waiting  a  solution  of  your 
iloubts,  and  a  definition  of  your  powers  ?  Do  you 
wait  for  special  instructions  from  the  secretary  at 
war,  which  it  is  impossible  for  you  to  receive  in 
time  for  the  danger  that  threatens  ?  How  did  the 
venerable  Shelby  act,  under  similar  circumstances  ; 
or,  rather,  under  circumstances  by  no  means  so 
critical  ?  Did  he  wait  for  orders  to  do  what  every 
man  of  sense  knew — what  every  patriot  felt — to  be 
right  ?  He  did  not ;  and  yet  how  highly  and  justly 
did  the  government  extol  his  manly  and  energetic 
conduct!  and  how  dear  has  his  name  become  to 
every  friend  of  his  country  ! 

"  You  say,  that  an  order  to  bring  the  necessary 
quota  of  men  into  the  field  has  been  given,  and  that 
of  course  your  power  ceases ;  and,  although  you 
are  made  sensible  that  the  order  has  been  wholly 
neglected,  you  can  take  no  measure  to  remedy  the 
omission.  Widely  different,  indeed,  is  my  opinion. 
I  consider  it  your  imperious  duty,  when  the  men, 
called  for  by  your  authority,  founded  upon  that  of 
the  gorernment,  are  known  not  to  be  in  the  field, 
to  see  that  they  be  brought  there ;  ajid  to  take  im- 
mediate measures  with  the  oflScer,  who,  charged 
with  the  execution  of  your  order,  omits  or  neglects 
8 


8#  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

to  do  it  As  the  executive  of  the  state,  it  is  your 
duty  to  see  that  the  full  quota  of  troops  be  con- 
stantly kept  .'n  the  field,  for  the  time  they  have 
been  required.  You  are  responsible  to  the  govern- 
ment ;  your  officer  to  you.  Of  what  avail  is  it,  to 
give  an  order,  if  it  be  never  executed,  and  may  be 
disobeyed  witJi  impunity  ?  Is  it  by  empty  man- 
dates that  we  can  hope  to  conquer  our  enemies, 
and  save  our  defenceless  frontiers  from  butchery 
and  devastation  ?  Believe  me,  my  valued  friend, 
there  are  times  when  it  is  highly  criminal  to  shrink 
from  responsibility,  or  scruple  about  the  exercise 
of  our  powers.  There  are  times  when  we  must 
t  isregard  punctilious  etiquette,  and  think  only  of 
serving  our  country.  What  is  really  our  present 
situation  •  .The  enemy  we  have  been  sent  to  sub- 
due may  be  said,  if  we  stop  at  this,  to  be  only  ex- 
asperated. The  commander  in  chief,  General  Pinck- 
ncy,  who  supposes  me  by  this  time  prepared  for 
renewed  operations,  has  ordered  me  to  advance 
and  form  a  junction  with  the  Georgia  army;  and, 
upon  the  expectation  that  I  will  do  so,  are  all  his 
arrangements  formed  for  the  prosecution  of  the 
campaign.  Will  it  do  to  defeat  his  plans,  and  jeop- 
ardke  the  safety  of  the  Georgia  army?  The  gen- 
eral government,  too,  believe,  and  have  a  right  to 
believe,  that  we  have  now  not  less  than  five  thou- 
sand men  in  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country;  and 
on  this  opinion  are  all  their  calculations  bottomed ; 
and  must  they  all  be  frustrated,  and  I  become  tlie 
mstrument  by  which  it  is  done  ?     God  forbid  ! 

"  Yen  advise  me  to  discharge  or  Jismiss  from  ser- 
vice, until  the  will  of  the  president  can  be  known, 
such  portion  of  the  militia  as  have  rendered  tlirce 
months'  service.     This  advice  astonishes  me,  even 


LIFE    or    GENERAL    JACKSON. 


s* 


more  than  the  formor.  I  have  no  such  discretiona- 
ry power  ;  and  if  I  had,  it  would  be  impolitic  and 
ruinous  to  exercise  it.  I  believed  the  militia,  who 
were  not  specially  received  for  a  siiorter  period, 
were  engaged  for  six  months,  unless  the  objects  of 
the  expedition  should  be  sooner  attained  ;  and  in 
this  opinion  I  w^as  greatly  strengthened  by  your 
letter  of  the  loth,  in  which  you  say,  v;hen  ansv/er- 
ing  my  inquiry  upon  this  subject,  '  the  militia  are 
detached  for  six  months'  service  ;'  nor  did  I  know 
or  suppose,  you  had  a  different  opinion,  until  the 
arrival  of  your  last  letter.  This  opinion  must,  I 
suppose,  agreeably  to  your  request,  be  made  known 
to  General  Roberts's  brigade,  and  then  the  conse- 
quences are  not  difficult  to  be  foreseen.  Every 
man  belonging  to  it  will  abandon  me  on  the  4th  of 
next  month  ;  nor  shall  I  have  the  means  of  pre- 
venting it,  but  by  the  application  of  force,  which, 
under  such  circumstances,  I  shall  not  be  at  liberty 
to  use.  I  have  laboured  hard  to  reconcile  these  men 
to  a  continuance  in  service  until  they  could  be  lion- 
ourably  discharged,  and  had  hoped  I  had,  in  a  great 
measure,  succeeded  ;  but  your  opinion,  operating 
with  their  own  prejudices,  will  give  a  sanction  to 
tlieir  conduct,  and  render  useless  any  further  at- 
tempts. Thoj  ./ill  go  ;  but  I  can  neither  discharge 
nor  dismiss  them.  Shall  I  be  told,  that,  as  they  will 
go, it  may  as  well  be  peaceably  permitted  ?  Can  that 
be  any  good  reason  why  I  should  do  an  unautjio- 
rized  act?  Is  it  a  good  reason  \\hy  I  should  vio- 
late the  order  of  my  superior  officer,  and  evince  a 
willingness  to  defeat  the  purposes  of  my  govern- 
ment ?  And  wherein  does  the  '  sound  policy'  of 
the  measures  that  have  been  recommended  consist' 
or  in  what  way  are   they  'likely  to  pron  ote  tlie 


fi  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

public  good  ?'  Is  it  sound  policy  to  abandon  a  con- 
quest thus  far  made,  and  deliver  up  to  havoc,  or  add 
to  the  number  of  our  enemies,  those  friendly  Creeks 
and  Cherokees,  who,  relying  on  our  protection,  have 
espoused  our  cause,  and  aided  us  with  their  arms  ? 
Ts  it  good  policy  to  turn  loose  upon  our  defenceless 
frontiers  five  thousand  exasperated  savages,  to  reek 
tlieir  liands  once  more  in  the  blood  of  our  citizens  ? 
What  1  retrograde  under  such  circumstances  !  I 
will  perish  first.  No ;  I  will  do  my  duty :  I  will 
hold  the  posts  I  have  established,  until  ordered  to 
abandon  them  by  the  commanding  general,  or  die 
in  the  struGfale  : — long  since  have  I  determined  not 
to  seek  the  preservation  of  life  at  the  sacrifice  of 
reputation. 

"  But  our  frontiers,  it  seems,  are  to  be  defended ; 
and  by  whom  ?  By  the  very  force  that  is  now  re 
cominended  to  be  dismissed  :  for  I  am  first  told  to 
retire  into  the  settlements  and  protect  the  frontiers , 
next,  to  discharge  my  troops ;  and  then,  that  no 
measures  can  be  taken  for  raising  others.  No,  my 
friend,  if  troops  be  given  me,  it  is  not  by  loitering 
on  the  frontiers  that  I  will  seek  to  give  protection 
— they  are  to  be  defended,  if  defended  at  all,  in  a 
very  difi*erent  manner  ; — by  carrying  the  war  into 
the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country.  AU  other  hopes 
of  defence  are  more  visionary  than  dreams.  What, 
then,  is  to  be  done  ?  I'll  tell  you  what.  You  have 
only  to  act  with  tlie  energy  and  decision  the  crisis 
demands,  and  all  will  be  well.  Send  me  a  force 
engaged  for  six  months,  and  I  will  answer  for  the 
result  ; — but  withhold  it,  and  all  is  lost, — the  repu- 
tation of  tlie  state,  and  your's,  and  mine  along  with 
it" 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 


80 


This  letter  had  considerable  effect  v/ith  the  gov- 
ernor. On  receiving  it,  he  immediately  determined 
on  a  course  of  greater  efficiency,  and  ordered  from 
the  second  division  twenty-five  hundred  of  the  mi- 
litia, for  a  tour  of  three  months,  to  rendezvous  at 
Fayetteville  on  the  28th  of  January.  The  com- 
mand was  given  to  Brigadier-General  Johnston,  with 
orders  to  proceed,  vathout  delay,  to  Fort  Strother. 
He  instructed  General  Cocke  to  execute  the  order 
he  had  received  from  Jackson,  for  raising  from  his 
division  liis  required  quota  of  troops,  and  to  bring 
them  to  the  field  as  early  as  possible. 

General  Roberts,  who  had  been  ordered  back  to 
supply  the  deficiencies  in  his  brigade,  returned  on 
the  27th  with  one   hundred   and  ninety-one  men, 
mustered  for  three  months.     Having  halted  them 
a  few  miles  in  rear  of  the  camp,  he  proceeded 
thither  himself,  to  learn  of  the  commanding  general, 
whether  the  troops  he  had  brought  on  would  be  re- 
ceived  for  the  term  they  had  stipulated,  as  they 
were  unwilling  to  advance   farther  until  this  point 
was  settled.     Jackson  answered,  that  although  he 
greatly  preferred  they  should  be  engaged   for  six 
months,  yet  he  had  no  wish  to  alter  any  engagement 
made  with  General  Roberts,  and  would  gladly  re- 
ceive them  for  that  period.     Notwithstanding  this 
assurance,  for  some  unknown  cause,  they  suddenly 
formed  the   determination  to  return  home,  without 
gaining  even  a  sight  of  the  camp.     To  the  miscon- 
duct of  their  general,  was  it  justly  to  be  attributed. 
The  careless  indifference   w^ith  which   General 
Roberts  had  first  treated  the  affair  had  subsided ; 
and  his  fears  took  the  alarm  on  receiving  from  Gen- 
eral Jackson  an  order  to  parade  immediately  before 
the  fort  the  men  he  had  reported  as  brought  into 
8* 


•(I  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACRSON 

the  field.  He  came  forward  to  excuse  what  had 
happened,  and  to  solicit  permission  to  go  in  pursuit 
of  the  refugees.  Overtaking  them,  at  the  distance 
of  twenty  miles,  he  endeavoured,  in  a  very  gentle 
manner,  to  soothe  their  discontents,  and  prevail  on 
them  to  return ;  but,  having  been  discharged,  they 
laughed  at  tlie  folly  of  his  errand.  Unable  to 
effect  his  object,  he  remained  with  them  during  the 
night ;  and  in  the  morning  set  out  for  camp,  and  his 
now  recruits  for  home.  On  arriving  at  head-quar- 
ters, he  ascribed  his  failure  to  the  practices  of  cer- 
tain officers,  whom  he  named,  and  who,  he  said. 
had  stirred  up  a  spirit  of  mutiny  and  desertion 
among  the  men  to  such  a  degree,  that  all  his  efforts 
to  retain  them  had  proved  unavailing.  Jackson. 
who  could  mot  view  this  mcident  with  the  same 
indifference  that  Roberts  did,  immediately  issued  an 
order,  directing  him  to  proceed,  forthwith,  in  pur- 
suit of  the  deserters,  and  have  them  brought  back. 
In  t!ie  execution  of  this  order,  he  was  commanded 
to  call  to  his  aid  any  troops  in  the  United  States' 
service  within  the  county  of  Madison,  or  in  the  state 
of  Tennessee,  and  to  exert  all  his  pov.'cr  and  au- 
thority, as  a  military  officer,  within  his  own  brigade , 
and,  in  the  event  he  should  not  be  able  to  collect 
a  sufficient  force  to  march  them  safely  to  head- 
quarters, to  confine  them  in  jails,  and  make  a  re- 
port thereof  without  delay.  This  order  was  ac- 
companied witli  an  assurance,  that  all  who  should 
return  willingly  to  their  duty,  except  those  officers 
who  had  been  reported  as  the  instigators,  would  bo 
pardoned.  Many  of  the  men,  and  several  of  the 
officers,  who  had  boon  charged  as  encouraging  the 
•evolt,  learning  the  nature  of  the  proceedings  which 
were  about  to  be  enforced  against  tliem,  returned  of 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON.  91 

tiieir  own  accord  to  camp ;  and  concurred  in  as- 
cribing their  late  misconduct  entirely  to  their  gen- 
eral. He  was  afterwards  arrested,  and,  upon  this 
and  other  charges  exhibited  against  him,  sentenced 
by  a  court-martial  to  be  cashiered. 

The  day  arrived,  when  that  portion  of  the  militia, 
which  had  continued  in  service,  claimed  to  be  dis- 
charged ;  and  insisted  that,  whether  this  were  given 
to  them  or  not,  they  would  abandon  the  campaign, 
and  return  home.  Jackson  believed  them  not  en- 
titled to  it,  and  hence,  that  he  had  no  right  to  give 
It ;  but,  since  Governor  Blount  had  said  differently, 
and  his  opinion  had  been  promulgated,  ho  felt  it  to 
be  improper  tljat  he  should  attempt  the  exercise  of 
authority  to  detain  them.  Nevertheless,  believing 
it  to  be  his  duty  to  keep  them,  he  issued  a  general 
order,  commanding  all  persons  in  the  service  of  the 
Uniced  States,  under  his  command,  not  to  leave  the 
encampment  without  his  written  permission,  under 
the  penalties  annexed,  by  the  rules  and  articles  of 
war,  to  the  crime  of  desertion.  This  was  accom- 
panied by  an  address,  in  which  they  were  exhorted, 
by  all  those  motives  which  he  supposed  would  be 
most  likely  to  have  any  influence,  to  remain  at 
their  posts  until  they  could  be  legally  discharged 
Neither  the  order  nor  the  address  availed  any  thing. 
On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  January,  the  officer 
of  the  day  reported,  that  on  visiting  his  guard,  half 
after  ten  o'clock,  he  found  neither  the  officer,  (Lieu- 
tenant Kearley,)  nor  any  of  the  sentinels  at  their 
posts.  Upon  this  mformation.  General  Jackson  or- 
dered the  arrest  of  Kearley,  who  refused  to  sur- 
render his  sword,  alleging  it  should  protect  him  to 
Tennessee  ;  that  he  was  a  free  man,  and  not  subject 
to  the  orders  of  General  Jackson,  or  any  body  elss 


te  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

This  being  made  known  to  the  general,  he  issued^ 
immediately,  this  order  to  the  adjutant-general : 
"You  will  forthwith  cause  the  guards  to  parade, 
with  Captain  Gordon's  company  of  spies,  and  arrest 
Lieutenant  Kearley  ;  and,  in  case  you  shall  be  re- 
sisted in  the  execution  of  this  order,  you  are  com- 
manded to  oppose  force  to  force,  and  arrest  him  at 
all  hazards.  Spare  the  effusion  of  blood,  if  possi- 
ble ;  but  mutiny  must  and  shall  be  put  down." 
Colonel  Sitler,  with  the  guards  and  Gordon's  com- 
pany, immediately  proceeded  in  search,  and  found 
him  at  tiie  head  of  his  company,  on  the  lines,  which 
were  formed,  and  about  to  be  marched  off.  He 
was  ordered  to  halt,  but  refused.  The  adjutant 
general,  finding  it  necessary,  directed  the  guards 
to  stop  him  ^  and  again  demanded  his  sword, which 
he  again  refused  to  del"  r.  The  guards  were  com- 
manded to  fire  on  him  if  he  did  not  immediately  de- 
liver it,  and  had  already  cocked  their  guns.  At 
this  order;  the  lieutenant  cocked  his,  and  his  men 
followed  the  example.  General  Jackson,  informed 
of  what  was  passing,  had  hastened  to  the  scene, 
and,  arriving  at  this  moment,  personally  demanded 
of  Kearley  his  sword,  which  he  still  obstinately  re 
fused  to  deliver.  Incensed  at  his  conduct,  antf 
\iewing  the  example  as  too  dangerous  to  be  passed 
in  silence,  he  snatched  a  pistol  from  his  holster 
and  was  already  levelling  it  at  the  breast  of  Kear 
ley,  wlicn  the  adjutant-general,  interposing  between 
them,  urged  him  to  surrender  his  sword.  At  this 
moment,  a  friend  of  the  lieutenant,  who  was  present, 
drew  it  from  the  scabbard,  and  presented  it  to  Colo- 
nel Sitler,  who  refused  to  receive  it.  It  was  then 
returned  to  Kearley,  who  now  delivered  it,  and  was 
placed  under  guard.     During  this  crisis,  both  par- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  93 

ties  remained  with  their  arms  ready,  and  prepared 
for  firing  ;  and  a  scene  of  bloodshed  was  narrowly 
escaped. 

Kearley,  confined,  and  placed  under  guard,  be 
came  exceedingly  penitent,  and  supplicated  the 
general  for  a  pardon.  He  stated  that  the  absence 
of  the  sentinels  from  their  post  had  been  owing  to 
the  advice  of  the  brigade-major  ;  that  not  delivermg 
his  sword,  v/hen  first  demanded,  was  attributable  to 
the  influence  of  others,  who  had  persuaded  him  it 
was  not  his  duty  to  do  so  ;  that  he  had  afterwards 
come  to  the  determination  to  surrender  himself,  but 
was  dissuaded  by  those  who  assured  him  it  would 
oe  a  sacrifice  of  character,  and  that  they  would 
share,  and  protect  him,  in  the  hour  of  danger  ;  why 
ae  still  resisted,  in  the  presence  of  the  general, 
ft'as,  that,  being  at  the  head  of  his  company,  and 
eiaving  undertaken  to  carry  them  home,  he  was  re- 
strained, at  the  moment,  by  a  false  idea  of  honour. 
This  application  was  aided  by  certificates  of  several 
of  the  most  respectable  officers  then  in  camp,  at-r 
testing  his  previously  uniform  good  behaviour,  -^d 
expressing  a  belief  that  his  late  misconduct  was 
wholly  to  be  attributed  to  the  interference  of  otliers. 
Influenced  by  these  reasons,  the  general  thought 
proper  to  order  his  liberation,  and  his  sword  to  be 
restored.  Never  was  a  man  more  sensible  of  the 
favour  he  had  received,  or  more  devoted  to  his 
benefactor,  than  he  afterwards  became. 

While  these  proceedings  were  taking  place,  the 
rest  of  the  brigade,  with  the  exception  of  Captain 
Willis's  company,  and  tv/enty-nine  of  his  men,  con- 
tinued thoir  march  towards  home,  leaving  behind, 
for  the  further  prosecution  of  the  campaign,  and 
the  defence  of  Fort  Strother,  a  single  regiment  of 


C-i  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

militia,  whose  term  of  service  was  within  a  few 
w  eeks  of  expiring ;  two  small  companies  of  spies, 
and  oiKi  of  artillery. 

Dilficulties  were  constantly  pressing  ;  and  whilst 
one  moment  gave  birth  to  expectation,  the  next 
served  but  to  destroy  it.  Jackson  had  been  ad- 
vised, and  was  buoyed  by  the  hope,  that  adequate 
numbers  would  shortly  come  to  his  relief;  and,  un- 
til tliis  could  be  accomplished,  it  was  desirable  to 
retain  those  who  then  were  with  him,  to  give  to 
liis  posts  increased  protection.  Whilst  measures 
were  adopting  in  Tennessee  to  effect  this  fully, 
about  a  thousand  volunteers  were  moving  out,  to 
preserve  an  appearance  of  opposition,  and  keep  se- 
cure what  had  been  already  gained.  With  this 
force,  added  to  what  he  already  had,  if  in  his  power 
lo  keep  them,  he  believed  he  would  be  able  to  ad- 
vance on  the  enemy,  make  a  diversion  in  favour  of 
the  Georgia  army,  and  obtain  other  important  advan- 
tages. With  this  view,  he  had  addressed  this  regi- 
meiit,  and  brought  before  them  such  considerations 
as  miglit  be  supposed  calculated  to  excite  a  soldier's 
ardour.  But  they  almost  unanimously  refused  to  re- 
main beyond  the  period  of  their  engagement. 

As  nothing  but  an  unnecessary  consumption  of 
supplies  was  now  to  be  expected  from  detaining 
troops  so  spiritless,  orders  were  given  for  taking  up 
the  line  of  inarch  to  Fort  Armstronxr,  on  the  10th ; 
whence  they  were  directed  to  proceed  to  Knox- 
viile,  and  receive  orders  for  their  discharge. 

]\[eantime,  the  volunteers,  lately  raised,  had  ar- 
rived at  Iluntsville,  where  they  had  been  directed 
to  remain  until  sufficient  supplies  could  be  had  at 
head  (uiarters.  Could  they  have  proceeded  direct- 
iv  on,  they  would  liave  reached  the  general  suffi 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOJf.  95 

ciently  early  to  have  enabled  him  to  proceed  against 
the  enemy  before  the  period  at  which  the  remnant 
of  his  troops  would  have  been  entitled  to  a  dis- 
charge. His  exertions  to  have  in  readiness  the 
arrangements  necessary  to  the  accomplishment  of 
this  end,  had  been  indefatigable.  General  Coci^e 
had  been  directed  to  give  instructions  to  his  quar- 
ter-master, to  forward  to  Fort  Strother  such  pro- 
visions as  should  arrive  at  Fort  Armstrong  ;  to  pro- 
ceed thence  to  Ross  s,  and  make  arrangements  for 
the  speedy  transportation,  from  that  place  to  De 
posit,  of  all  the  bread  stuff  which  the  contractor 
had  been  required  to  collect  at  that  depot ;  and  to 
have  procured  a  competent  supply  of  that  article, 
as  well  for  the  troops  then  in  the  field,  as  for  those 
tvhich  had  been  ordered  to  be  raised.  The  more 
certainly  to  effect  this  object,  he  had,  on  the  20th 
of  December,  despatched  his  own  quarter-master 
and  adjutant-general  to  Deposit  and  Huntsville,  to 
push  on  what  should  be  collected  at  those  places  ; 
and  had,  at  the  same  time,  despatched  one  of 
tiie  sub-contractors  from  camp,  v/ith  directions  to 
examine  the  situation  of  the  different  depots  ;  and, 
if  found  insufficient  to  meet  the  requisition  he  had 
made,  to  proceed  immediately  to  the  settlements 
in  Tennessee,  and  procure  the  necessary  supplies. 
To  the  contractors  themselves  he  had  addressed 
orders  and  exhortations  almost  without  number  • 
and,  indeed,  from  every  source,  and  through  every 
channel  that  the  hope  of  relief  could  be  discerned, 
had  he  directed  his  exertions  to  obtain  it. 

On  the  second  of  January,  Colonel  Carroll  and 
Mr.  Blackburn  arrived  at  head-quarters,  to  receive 
instructions  how  the  volunteers  should  be  organized 
and  brought  up.     Having  reported  their  strength  to 


96  LIFE    OF    GENEllAL    JACKSON. 

be  eight  hundred  and  fifty,  they  were  directed  to 
have  tliem  formed,  as  had  heen  desired,  into  two 
regiments,  under  officers  of  their  own  choice  ;  and 
an  order  was  put  into  their  hands,  requiring  Gene- 
ral Coffee,  who  was  then  at  Huntsville,  to  march 
them  to  Fort  Strother,  by  tlie  10th  instant.  That 
officer,  whose  feelings  had  been  sufficiently  har- 
rowed by  the  late  conduct  and  defection  of  his 
brigade,  learning  that  those  troops  were  unwilling 
for  him  to  have  command  of  them,  had  expressed  a 
wish  to  General  Jackson  that  it  might  not  be  as- 
signed him  ;  in  consequence  of  which,  and  their  own 
request,  the  latter  had  determined,  after  their  arri- 
val at  his  camp,  that  there  should  be  no  intermediate 
commander  over  them,  between  their  colonels  and 
himself  Vikh  this  proposed  arrangement,  those 
gentlemen  had  been  instructed  to  maice  the  troops 
acquainted  ;  and  were  particularly  requested  to  use 
their  best  endeavours  to  remove  any  erroneous  im- 
pressions that  might  have  been  made  upon  their 
minds. 

General  Coffee,  having  received  the  instructions 
of  General  Jackson,  immediately  gave  orders  to 
Colonels  Perkins  and  Higgins,  who  had  been  chosen 
to  the  command  of  the  two  regiments,  to  march  di- 
rectly for  head-quarters.  To  his  entire  astonish- 
ment, both  these  officers  refused  to  obey  ;  alleg- 
ing, in  a  written  statement  they  made,  that  General 
Coffee  had  no  right  to  exercise  command  over  them, 
and  tliat  they  would  disregard  any  he  might  at- 
tempt to  claim.  One  of  them  not  only  refused  obe- 
dience to  the  order,  but  even  went  so  far  as  to  re 
fuse  to  return  it,  or  permit  the  brigade-inspector  to 
take  a  copy  ;  thereby  placing  it  out  of  his  power  to 
make  it  known  to  the  rest  of  the  brigade. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  97 

Unwilling  as  Coffee  was  to  create  any  additional 
perplexities  to  the  commanding  general,  he  felt 
himself  constrained  to  demand  the  arrest  of  tliose 
officers. 

Notwithstanding  the  weighty  considerations 
which  had  been  urged  to  produce  an  expeditious 
movement,  it  was  not  until  the  13th  that  those  offi- 
cers, with  their  regiments,  reached  head-quarters. 
Finding  they  were  likely  to  be  noticed,  on  charges 
which  their  better-informed  friends  advised  would 
not  only  deprive  them  of  command,  but  involve 
them  in  disgrace,  they  immediately  made  an  hon- 
ourable concession,  ii)  which  they  pleaded  igno- 
rance of  military  duty,  as  an  excuse  for  their  mis- 
conduct. 

The  whole  effective  force  consisted,  at  this  time, 
by  the  reports,  of  little  more  than  nine  hundred 
men. 

Being  addressed  by  the  general,  on  the  loth, 
the  mounted  troops  commenced  their  march  to  We- 
hogee  Creek,  three  miles  from  the  fort.  Jackson, 
with  his  staff,  and  the  artillery  company,  joined 
them  next  morning,  and  continued  the  line  of  march 
to  Talladega,  where  about  two  hundred  friendly 
Indians,  Cherokees  and  Creeks,  badiy  armed,  and 
much  discouraged  at  the  weakness  of  his  force, 
vi'ere  added  to  his  numbers,  without  increasing 
much  his  strength.  Seldom,  perhaps,  has  tliere 
been  an  expedition  undertaken,  fraught  with  great- 
er peril.  Nine  hundred  new  recruits,  entirely  un- 
acquainted with  the  duties  of  the  field,  were  to  be 
marched  into  the  heart  of  an  enemy's  country, 
without  a  single  hope  of  escape,  but  from  victory, 
and  that  victory  not  to  be  expected,  but  from  the 
wiseut  precaution,  and  most  determined  bravery. 
9 


93  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

Although  so  obviously  pregnant  with  danger,  to 
march  was  the  only  alternative  that  could  be  adopt- 
ed. No  other  could  afford  a  diversion  favourable 
to  General  Floyd,  who  was  advancing  with  the  ar- 
my from  Georgia,  or  give  favourable  results  to  the 
campaign,  without  which  it  must  soon  have  been 
abandoned,  for  want  of  men  to  prosecute  it.  An- 
other reason  rendered  such  a  movement  indispen- 
sable. The  officer  commanding  at  Fort  Armstrong 
had  received  intelligence,  that  the  warriors  from 
fourteen  or  fifteen  towns  on  the  Tallapoosa  were 
about  to  unite  their  forces,  and  attack  that  place  : 
which,  for  the  want  of  a  sufficient  garrison,  was  in 
a  defenceless  situation.  Of  tliis  General  Jackson 
iiad  been  advised.  The  present  movement,  hazard- 
ous as  it  ^\ils,  was  indispensable,  and  could  alone 
prevent  the  execution  of  such  a  purpose.  On  reach- 
ing Talladegjp,  he  received  a  letter  from  the  com- 
mandant at  Fort  Armstrong,  confirmatory  of  the 
Hrst  information.  One  also  from  Geaeral  Pinckney, 
by  express,  arrived,  advising  him  that  Floyd,  on  the 
10th  instant,  would  move  from  Coweta,  and,  in  ten 
days  thereafter,  establish  a  position  at  Tuckabat- 
chce;  and  recommended,  if  his  force  would  allov/ 
him  to  do  no  more,  that  he  should  iidvance  against 
such  of  the  enemy's  towns  as  might  be  witliin  con- 
venient distance  ;  that,  by  having  his  troops  em- 
ployed, he  might  keep  disafi'ection  from  his  ranks, 
and  be,  at  the  same  time,  serviceably  engaged  in 
harassing  the  enemy.  If,  therefore,  he  could  have 
hesitated  before,  there  was  now  no  longer  any  roonn 
vO  do  so.  By  an  expeditious  movement,  he  might 
eave  Fort  Armstrong,  and  render  an  essential  ser- 
vice to  General  Floyd,  by  detaching  a  part  of  the 
clunb  destined  to  proceed  ngainst  him. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  99 

As  he  progressed  on  the  march,  a  want  of  the 
necessary  knowledge  in  his  pilots,  of  subordniation 
in  his  troops,  and  skill  in  the  officers  who  com- 
manded them,  became  more  and  more  apparent ; 
but  still  their  ardour  to  meet  the  enemy  was  not 
abated. 

On  the  evenmg  of  the  21st,  sensible,  from  the 
trails  he  had  fallen  in  upon,  fresh,  and  converg-ing" 
to  a  point,  that  he  must  be  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
the  enemy,  Jackson  encamped  his  little  army  in  a 
hollow  square,  on  an  eligible  site,  upon  the  eminen- 
ces of  Emuckfaw,  sent  out  his  spies,  posted  his 
pickets,  doubled  his  sentinels,  and  made  the  neces- 
sary arrangements  to  guard  against  attack.  About 
midnight  the  spies  came  in  and  reported  they  had 
discovered  a  large  encampment  of  Indians,  at  about 
three  miles  distance,  who,  from  their  whooping  and 
dancing,  were  no  doubt  apprized  of  his  arrival. 
Every  thing  was  ready  for  their  reception,  if  they 
meditated  an  attack,  or  to  pursue  in  the  morning, 
if  they  did  not.  At  the  dawn  of  day,  the  alarm- 
guns  of  our  sentinels,  succeeded  by  shrieks  and 
savage  yells,  announced  their  presence.  They 
commenced  a  furious  assault  on  the  left  flank,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  Higgins,  which  was  met  with 
great  firmness.  General  Coffee,  and  Colonels  Car- 
roll and  Sitler,  instantly  repaired  to  the  point  of 
attack,  and,  by  example  and  exhortation,  encouraged 
the  men  to  a  performance  of  their  duty.  The  ac- 
tion raged  for  half  an  hour ;  the  brunt  of  which 
being  against  the  left  wing,  it  had  become  consid- 
erably weakened.  It  being  now  sufficiently  light 
to  ascertain  the  position  of  the  enemy,  and  Cap- 
tain Ferril's  company  having  reenforced  the  left 
wing,  the  whole  charged,  under  General  CoSbe, 


100  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

and  a  route  immediately  ensued.  The  fnendly 
Indians  joining  in  the  pursuit,  they  were  chased 
about  two  miles,  with  considerable  loss.  We  had 
five  killed,  and  twenty  wounded.  Until  it  became 
light  enough  to  discern  objects,  our  troops  derived 
considerable  advantage  from  their  camp  fires  ;  these 
naving  been  placed  at  some  distance  without  the 
encampment,  afforded  a  decided  superiority  in  a 
night  attack,  by  enai)ling  those  within  to  fire  with 
great  accuracy  on  an  approaching  enemy,  whilst 
they  themselves  remained  invisible. 

The  pursuit  bemg  over,  Jackson  detached  Cof- 
fee, with  the  Indians,  and  four  hundred  men,  to 
destroy  the  enemy's  encampment,  unless  he  should 
find  it  too  strongly  fortified ;  in  which  event,  he 
was  to  give*  information  immediately,  and  wait  the 
arrival  of  the  artillery.  Coffee,  having  recon- 
noitred this  position,  and  found  it  too  strong  to  be 
assailed  witli  the  force  he  commanded,  returned  to 
camp.  He  had  not  returned  more  than  half  an 
hour,  when  a  severe  fire  was  made  upon  the  pickets, 
posted  on  the  right,  accompanied  with  prodigious 
yelling.  General  Coffee  proceeded  to  turn  tiie  left 
flank  of  the  assailants.  This  detachment  being 
taken  from  diffbrent  corps,  he  placed  himself  at 
their  head,  and  moved  briskly  forward.  Those  in 
the  rear,  availing  themselves  of  this  circumstance, 
continued  to  drop  off",  one  by  one,  without  hia 
knowledge,  until  the  whole  number  left  with  him 
did  not  exceed  fifty.  It  was  fortunate  that  the 
force  of  the  enemy  he  had  first  to  attack  was  not 
greater.  He  found  them  occupying  a  ridge  of 
open  pine  timber,  covered  with  low  underwood, 
which  afforded  them  many  opportunities  for  con- 
cealment.     To    deprive    them   of  this    advantage, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  101 

Coffee  ordered  his  men  to  dismount  and  cliarge 
them.  This  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  some 
loss  sustained  in  its  execution  ;  the  general  himself 
was  wounded  through  the  body,  and  his  aid,  Major 
Donelson,  killed  by  a  ball  through  the  head  ; — three 
of  Iiis  men  also  fell.  The  enemy,  driven  back  by 
the  cliarge,  took  refuge  on  the  margin  of  a  creek, 
covered  with  reeds,  where  they  lay  concealed. 

The  saveges,  having  intended  the  attack  on  the 
right  as  a  feint,  now,  with  their  main  force,  which 
had  been  concealed,  made  a  violent  onset  on  our 
left  line,  which  they  hoped  to  find  in  disorder. 
General  Jackson,  however,  who  had  apprehended 
their  design,  was  prepared  to  meet  it:  this  line 
had  been  ordered  to  remain  firm  in  its  position; 
and,  when  the  first  gun  was  heard  in  that  quarter, 
he  repaired  thither  in  person,  and  strengthened  it 
by  additional  forces.  The  first  advance  of  tlie 
enemy  was  sustained  with  firmness,  and  opposed 
with  great  gallantry.  The  battle  was  now  main- 
tained on  the  part  of  the  assailants,  by  quick  and 
irregular  firing,  from  behind  logs,  trees,  shrubbery, 
and  whatever  could  afford  concealment :  behind 
these,  prostrating  themselves  after  firing,  and  re- 
loading, they  would  rise  and  ?.gain  discharge  their 
guns.  After  sustaining  their  fire  in  this  way  for 
some  time,  a  charge,  to  dislodge  them  from  their 
position,  was  ordered:  and  the  whole  line  under 
Colonel  Carroll,  by  a  most  brilliant  and  steady 
movement,  threw  them  into  confusion,  and  they  fled 
precipitately  away. 

In  the  mean  time,  General  Coffee  had  been  en 
deavouring  to  drive  the  savages  on  the  right  from 
the  fastnesses  into  which  they  had  retired :  but,  find- 
ino^  that  this  could  not  be  done  without  hazard  and 
9* 


102  LIFE    OF    GEXEttAL    JACKSON. 

loss,  he  began  to  retire  towards  the  place  where 
he  liad  first  dismounted.  This  expedient,  designed 
for  stratagem,  produced  the  desired  effect.  The 
enemy,  inspirited  by  the  movement,  presuming  it 
a  retreat,  forsook  their  hiding-places,  and  rapidly 
advanced  upon  him.  That  officer  immediately 
availed  liimself  of  the  opportunity  thus  afforded 
of  contending  with  them  again  on  equal  terms  ; 
and  a  severe  conflict  commenced,  and  continued 
about  an  hour,  in  which  the  loss  on  both  sides  was 
nearly  equal.  At  this  critical  juncture,  when  seve- 
ral of  the  detacliments  had  been  killed,  many 
wounded,  and  the  whole  greatly  exhausted  with 
fatigue,  the  dispersion  of  the  enemy  being  effect- 
ed on  the  l^fl,  a  reenforcement  was  despatched  by 
General  Jackson,  which,  making  its  appearance  on 
the  enemy's  left  flank,  put  an  end  to  the  contest. 
General  Coffee,  although  severely  wounded,  still 
continued  tlie  fight,  and,  availing  himself  of  the  ar- 
rival of  this  additional  strength,  instantly  ordered  a 
charge ;  when  the  enemy,  foreseeing  their  doom 
fled  in  consternation,  and  were  pursued  with  dread- 
ful slaughter.  It  is  believed  that  at  this  place 
none  escaped.  Thus  drew  to  a  close  a  day  of 
almost  continual  fighting.* 

lla\ing  buried  the  dead,  and  dressed  the  wound- 
ed, preparations  were  made  to  guard  against  an  at- 

*  Tlic  Indians  lia<l  dcsi^^ned  llieir  plan  of  operations  well, 
ihoupli  ihe  execution  did  not  succeed.  It  was  intended  to  briu^j 
on  die  attack  at  tliree  diflerent  points,  at  the  same  tiuie  ;  but  a 
I)arty  of  ilie  ClK'alcin'ans,  one  of  the  tribes  which  conijKise  the 
C  Veck  confederacy,  wiio  liati  l>een  ordered  to  ass^^il  the  rii^ht  ex- 
tremity of  our  front  line,  instead  of  doiiiq;  so,  ihouijht  it  more  pru- 
dent to  proceed  to  their  villai^es,  hap|)v  to  have  passed,  undis- 
roveted,  the  jK)int  they  had  been  ordered  to  attack.  But  for  this, 
\Ue  coiiiest  ini^ht  have  icrininaled  less  advantageously,  perhap* 
disastrously. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL,    JACKSO>'.  103 

tack  hy  night,  by  erecting  a  breast-work  of  timber 
around  the  encampment;  a  measure  the  more 
necessary,  as  the  spirits  of  our  troops,  most  of 
whom  had  never  before  been  in  collision  with  an 
enemy,  were  observed  visibly  to  flag,  towards  the 
evening.  Indeed,  during  the  night,  it  was  with 
the  utmost  difficulty  the  sentinels  could  be  main- 
tained at  their  posts,  who,  expecting  every  minute 
the  appearance  of  the  enemy,  would,  at  the  least 
noise,  fire  and  run  in.  The  enemy,  however,  whose 
spies  were  around  our  encampment  all  night,  did 
not  think  proper  to  attack  us  in  this  position,  and 
the  morning  broke  without  disturbance.  The  next 
day,  General  Jackson  began  to  think  of  returning 
to  the  Ten  Islands.  Many  reasons  concurred  to 
render  such  a  measure  proper. 

Jackson  ordered  litters  to  be  formed  for  the 
transportation  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  other 
necessary  preparations  to  be  made  for  a  return 
marcli.  Every  thing  being  ready,  it  was  com- 
menced at  ten  o'clock  the  next  morning,  and  con- 
tinued without  interruption  until  nearly  night, 
when  the  army  was  encamped  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
on  the  south  side  of  Enotichopco  Creek,  in  the  di- 
rection to  the  ford. 

As  it  was  evident  the  enemy  had  been  in  pursuit 
during  the  day,  a  breast-work  Vv-as  thrown  up,  with 
the  utmost  expedition,  and  arrangements  made  to 
repel  their  attempts,  should  they  meditate  an  at- 
tack, in  the  course  of  the  night,  or  on  the  succeed- 
ing morning.  From  a  knowledge  that  they  had 
been  hanging  on  his  rear,  during  the  march  of  the 
preceding  day,  the  general  was  led  to  conjecture 
that  an  ambuscade  had  been  prepared,  and  that  an 
attack  would  be  made  on  him  whilst  crossing  the 


104  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

creek  in  his  front.  Near  the  crossing  place  wa8 
a  deep  ravine,  formed  by  the  projection  of  two 
hills,  overgrown  with  thick  shrubbery  and  brown 
Bcdge,  which  afforded  every  convenience  for  con- 
cealment. Along  this  route,  the  array,  in  going  out, 
had  passed  ;  Jackson  determined  to  take  a  different 
route  ;  he  secretly  despatched,  early  next  morning, 
a  few  pioneers,  to  designate  another  crossing  place 
below.  A  suitable  one  was  discovered,  about  six 
lumdrcd  yards  from  the  old  one  ;  and  thither  the 
general  now  led  his  army;  having,  previously  to 
commencing  the  march,  formed  his  columns,  and 
the  front  and  rear  guards,  that  he  might  be  in  an 
attitude  for  defence. 

A  beautiful  slope  of  open  woodland  led  down 
to  the  newly  discovered  ford,  where,  except  im- 
mediately on  the  margin  of  the  creek,  which  was 
covered  with  a  few  reeds,  there  was  nothing  to  ob- 
struct the  view.  The  front  guards,  and  part  of 
tiie  columns,  had  passed  ;  the  wounded  were  also 
over,  and  the  artillery  just  entering  the  creek, 
when  an  alarm-gun  was  heard  in  the  rear.  TJie 
Indians,  unexpectedly  finding  the  route  was  chang- 
ed, quitted  the  defile,  where  they  had  expected  to 
commence  tiie  assault,  and  advanced  upon  a  com- 
pany, under  the  command  of  Captain  Russell,  which 
marclicd  in  the  rear.  Tiiough  assailed  by  supe- 
rior numbers,  it  returned  the  fire,  and  gradually 
retired,  until  it  reached  the  rear  guard,  who,  ac- 
cording to  express  instructions  given,  were,  in  the 
event  of  an  attack,  to  face  about,  and  act  as  tiie 
advance;  wJiilst  the  right  and  left  columns  should 
bo  turned  on  their  pivots,  so  as  completely  to  loop 
the  enemy,  and  render  his  destruction  sure.  The 
right  column  of  the  rear  guard  was  commanded  by 


MFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  105 

Colonel   Perkins,   the   leR  by   Lieutenant-Colcnei 
Stump,  and  the  centre  column  by  Colonel  Carroll. 
Jackson  was  just  passing  the  stream  when  the  firing 
and  yelling   commenced.     Having   instructed   his 
aid-de-camp  to  form  a  line  for  the  protection  of  the 
wounded,  who  were  but  a  short   distance  in  ad 
vance,  and  afterwards  to  turn  the  left  column,  he 
himself  proceeded  to  the  right,  for  a  similar  pur- 
pose.    What  was  his  astonishment,  when,  resting 
in  the  hope  of  certain  victory,  he  beheld  the  right 
and  left  columns  of  the  rear  guard,  after  a  feeble 
resistance,  precipitately  give  way,  bringing   with 
them  confusion  and  dismay,  and  entirely  obstruct- 
ing the  passage,  over  which  the  principal  strength 
of  the  army  was  to  be  re-crossed !    This  shameful 
flight  was  well  nigh  being  attended  with  the  most 
fatal  consequences  ;  which  were  alone  averted  by 
the    determined   bravery   of  a   few.      Nearly   the 
whole  of  the  centre  column  had  followed  the  ex 
ample  of  the  other  two,  and  precipitated  themselves 
into  the  creek  ;  not  more  than  twenty  remained  to 
oppose  the  violence  of  the  first  assault.     The  ar- 
tillery company,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Arm- 
strong, composed  of  young  men  of  the  first  families, 
who   had  volunteered  their  services  at  the    com- 
mcncemont  of  the    campaign,  formed    with   their 
muskets  before  the  piece  of  ordnance  they  had,  and 
hastily  dragged  it  from  the  creek  to  an  eminence, 
from  which  they  could  play  to  advantage.     Here 
an  obstinate  conflict  ensued;  the  enemy  endeav- 
ouring to  charge  and  take  it,  whilst  this  company 
formed  with  their  muskets,  and  resolutely  defended 
These  young  men,  the  few  \vho  rem.aiRed  with 
Colonel  Carroll,°and  the  gallant  Captain  Q,uarles- 
who  fell  at  their  head,  with  Russell's  spies,  not  ex 


106  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON. 

cecding  in  the  wliole  one  hundred,  maintained,  \viti« 
*)ic  utmost  firmness,  a  contest,  for  many  minuted 
against  a  force  five  times  greater  than  their  own 
and  checked  the  advance  of  the  foe.  The  brave 
Lioutonant  Armstrong  fell  at  the  side  of  his  piece 
by  a  wound  in  the  groin,  and  exclaimed,  as  ht 
lay,  "  Some  of  you  must  perish  ;  but  don't  lose  the 
gun."  By  his  side  fell,  mortally  wounded,  his  as- 
sociate and  friend,  Bird  Evans,  and  the  gallant 
Captain  Hamilton  :  who,  having  been  abandoned  by 
his  men.  at  Fort  Strother,  with  his  two  brothers  and 
his  aged  father,  had  attached  liimself  to  the  artillery 
company,  as  a  private,  and,  in  that  capacity,  showed 
how  well  be  deserved  to  command  by  the  fidelity 
with  which  he  obeyed.  Perilous  as  the  hour  was, 
this  little  heroic  band  evinced  themselves  cool  and 
collected  as  they  were  bravc  in  battle.  In  the 
confusion  of  the  moment,  the  rammer  and  pricker 
of  the  cannon  could  not  be  disengaged  from  tlie 
carriage  ;  in  this  situation,  and  at  such  a  time,  the 
invention  of  most  young  soldiers  might  have  failed  . 
but,  nothing  fearing.  Craven  Jackson  and  Constan 
tine  Perkins  drove  home  the  cartridges  with  a 
musket,  and  with  the  ramrod  prepared  them  for 
the  match.  In  the  mean  time,  while  the  conflict 
was  tlius  unequally  sustained.  General  Jackson  and 
liis  staff  had  been  enabled,  by  great  exertions,  to 
restore  something  like  ordef,  from  confusion.  The 
columns  were  again  formed,  and  put  in  motion : 
and  small  detachments  had  been  sent  across  the 
creek  to  support  the  little  band  that  there  main- 
tained their  ground.  The  enemy,  perceiving  a 
strong  force  advancing,  and  being  warmly  assailed 
on  their  left  flank  ])y  Captain  Gordon,  at  tlie  head 
of  his  company  of  spies,  were  stricken  with  alarm. 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  107 

pnd  fled  away,  leaving  behind  their  blankets,  and 
wliatever  was  likely  to  retard  their  flight.  J)e- 
ca<:hments  were  ordered  on  the  pursuit,  who,  in  a 
chase  of  two  miles,  destroyed  many,  and  wholly 
dispersed  them. 

In  despite  of  the  active  exertions  made  by  Gene- 
ral Jackson  to  restore  order,  they  were,  for  some 
anie,  unavailing.  In  addition  to  the  assistance  re- 
jeived  from  his  staff,  he  derived  much  from  the  aid 
if  General  Coffee.  That  officer,  in  consequence 
of  the  wound  wliich  he  had  received  at  Emuckfaw, 
iiad,  the  day  before,  been  carried  in  a  litter.  From 
.lie  apprehensions  indulged,  that  an  attack  would 
probably  be  made  upon  them  that  morning,  he  had 
proceeded  from  the  encampment  on  horseback,  and 
Aided,  during  the  action,  v/ith  his  usuaZ  deliberate 
j^rmness.  Indeed,  all  the  officers  of  his  brigade 
rendered  manifest,  now,  the  value  of  experience. 
This  was  not  a  moment  for  rui-es  of  fancied  eti- 
quette. The  very  men,  who,  a  little  time  before, 
would  have  disdained  advice,  and  spurned  an  ordei 
G-om  any  but  their  own  commanders,  did  not  scru- 
ole,  amidst  the  peril  that  surrounded  them,  to  be 
regulated  by  those  who  seemed  to  bo  so  much  bet- 
ter qualified  for  extricating  them  from  their  present 
danger.  The  hospital  surgeon,  Dr.  Shelby,  ap- 
ocared  in  the  fight,  and  rendered  important  militarv 
services.  The  adjutant-general,  S:tler,  hastened 
icross  the  creek  in  the  early  part  of  the  action, 
',0  the  artillery  company,  for  v/hich  he  felt  ail  the 
fsprit  de  corps,  having  been  once  attached  to  it ; 
And  there  remained,  supporting  them  in  their  duties, 
and  participating  in  their  dangers.  Captain  Gor- 
don, too,  contributed  greatly  to  dispel  the  peril  of 
the  moment,  by  his  active  sally  on  the  left  tlank  of 


108  LIFE    OF    GE.NERAL    JACRSOlt.* 

the  savages.  Of  the  general  himself,  it  is  scaicely 
necessary  to  remark,  that,  but  for  him,  every  thing 
must  have  gone  to  ruin.  On  him  all  hopes  were 
rested.  In  that  moment  of  confusion,  he  was  the 
rallying  point,  even  for  the  spirits  of  the  brave 
Firm  and  energetic,  and,  at  the  same  time,  perfect- 
ly self-possessed,  his  example  and  authority  alike 
contributed  to  arrest  the  flying,  and  give  confidence 
to  those  who  maintained  their  ground.  Cov/ards 
forgot  their  panic,  and  fronted  danger,  when  they 
heard  his  voice  and  beheld  his  manner ;  and  the 
brave  would  have  formed  round  his  body  a  ram- 
part with  their  own.  In  the  midst  of  showers  of 
balls,  of  w^hich  he  seemed  unmindful,  he  was  seen 
performing  the  duties  of  the  subordinate  officers, 
rallying  tlie  alarmed,  halting  them  in  their  flight, 
forming  his  columns,  and  inspiriting  them  by  his 
example.  An  army  suddenly  dismayed,  and  thrown 
into  confusion,  was  thus  happily  rescued  from  a  de- 
struction which  lately  appeared  inevitable.  Our 
total  loss,  in  the  several  engagements,  on  the  22d, 
and  this  day,  was  only  twenty  killed,  and  seventy- 
five  wounded,  some  of  v;hom,  however,  afterwards 
died.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  cannot  be  accurately 
stated.  The  bodies  of  onb  hundred  and  eighty- 
nine  of  their  warriors  were  found  ;  this,  however, 
may  be  considered  as  greatly  below  the  real  num- 
ber ;  nor  can  their  wounded  be  even  conjectured. 
The  greatest  slaughter  was  in  the  pursuit.  Scat- 
tered through  tlie  heights  and  hollows,  many  of  tlie 
wounded  escaped,  and  many  of  the  killed  were  not 
ascertained.  It  is  certain,  however,  as  was  after- 
wards disclosed  by  prisoners,  that  considerably 
more  than  two  hundred  of  those  who,  on  this  oc- 
casion,  went   out   to  battle,  never  returned  ;  but 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  109 

those  who  did  return,  unwilling  it  should  be  known 
that  so  many  were  killed,  feeling  it  might  dispirit 
the  nation,  endeavoured  to  have  it  believed,  and  so 
represented  it,  that  they  had  proceeded  on  some 
distant  expedition,  and  would  be  for  some  time  ab- 
sent. 

The  army  encamped,  on  the  night  of  the  26th, 
within  three  miles  of  Fort  Strother.     Thus  termi 
nated  an  expedition  replete  with  peril,  but  attended 
ivith  effects  highly  beneficial.    Fort  Armstrong  was 
•elieved  ;  General  Floyd  enabled  to  gain  a  victory 
it  Autossee,  where  he  would  most  probably  have 
met  defeat ;  a  considerable  portion  of  the  enemy's 
Oest  forces  had  been  destroyed  ;  and  an  end  put 
Co  the  hopes  they  had  founded  on  previous  delays. 
Discontent  had  been  kept  from  the  ranks  ;   the 
troops  had  been  beneficially  employed :  and  inac 
tivity,  the  bane  of  every  army,  had  been  avoided. 
10 


\ 


Ud  LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Tlie  volunteers  art  discliarged. — New  frocps  arrive — Krecu 
lion  of  a  soldier ,  and  the  effect  prodticed. —  Want  rf  supplies. — 
Mutiny  with  the  East  Tennessee  brigade. — General  Jacksott 
marclies  against  the  Indians. — Battle  of  Tohopeka. — Returns  to 
Fort  Wuliams. — Exvediiion  to  Hoithleicalee ;  its  failure,  and 
tJie  causes. — Forms  a  junction  with  the  Georgia  troops,  and  pro 
ceedstotlie  Hickory  Ground. — Indians  sue  for  peace. —  Weather- 
ford  surrenders  himself. — Arrival  of  General  Pinckneij  at 
head-quarters. -^Tennessee  troops  are  ordered  to  he  marched 
home,  and  discliarged  from  service. 

The  troops  having  reached  the  post  whence 
?hoy  had  set  out,  the  gcner-Al  determined  to  dis- 
charge them.  The  information  from  Tennessee 
'vas,  that  there  would  soon  be  in  the  field  a  consid- 
erable force,  enlisted  for  a  period  sufficient  to  effect 
a  termination  of  the  Indian  war.  He  was  desirous 
of  having  every  thing  in  readiness  by  the  time  of 
■  their  arrival,  that  they  might  be  carried  witliout 
delay  into  active  service.  Detaining  his  late  vol- 
unteers, therefore,  a  short  time,  to  complete  boats 
for  the  transportation  of  his  camp  equipage  and 
provisions  down  the  Coosa,  he  directed  them  to  be 
marched  home,  and  there  to  be  honourably  dis- 
missed. The  farther  service  of  his  artillery  com- 
pany wag  also  dispensed  with.  His  parting  inter- 
view with  them  was  interesting  and  affecting. 

A  letter  from  Jackson  to  Governor  Blount,  added 
to  his  own  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  crisis, 
had  induced  him  to  issue  an  order  on  the  3d,  direct- 
ing Wenty-five  hundred  of  the  militia  of  the  second 
division  to  be  detached,  organized,  and  equipped, 
m  conformity  to  an  act  of  congress  of  the  6th  of 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  Ill 

April,  1812.  These  wero  to  perform  a  tour  of 
three  months,  to  be  computed  from  tlie  time  of 
rendezvous,  appointed  to  be  on  the  28th  instant. 
He  had  also  required  General  Cocke  to  bring  into 
the  field,  under  the  requisition  of  the  secretary  of 
war,  the  quota  he  had  been  instructed  to  raise. 
This  officer,  who  had  hitherto  created  so  many 
obstacles,  still  appeared  to  desire  nothing  more 
ardently  than  a  failure  of  the  campaign.  Although 
many  difficulties  had  been  feigned  in  the  execution 
of  the  order  directed  to  him,  he  was  enabled  to 
muster  into  service,  from  his  div  sion,  about  two 
thousand  men.  These,  however,  as  well  as  those 
called  out  from  West  Tennessee,  were  but  indif- 
ferently armed. 

The  thirty-ninth  regiment,  under  Colonel  Wil- 
liams, had  also  received  orders  to  proceed  to  Jack- 
son's head-quarters,  and  act  under  his  command  in 
the  prosecution  of  the  war.  It  arrived  on  the  5th 
or  6th  of  the  month,  about  six  hundred  strong. 
Most  of  the  men  were  badly  armed ;  this  evil, 
however;  was  shortly  afterwards  remedied. 

The  quarter-masters  and  contractors  were  already 
actively  engaged,  and  endeavouring  to  procure  provi- 
sions and  the  transportations  for  the  army.  The  fail- 
ures, in  regard  to  former  enterprises,  are  to  be  ascrib- 
ed to  these  two  departments  ;  to  the  constant  endeav- 
our of  the  contractors  to  procure  provisions  at  a  re- 
duced price,  in  order  to  enhance  their  profits  ;  and  to 
fears  entertained,  lest,  if  they  should  lay  in  any  large 
supply,  it  might  spoil  or  waste  on  their  hands.  The 
inconveniences  in  the  quarter-master's  department, 
were,  indeed,  less  chargeable  to  the  incumbents 
than  to  the  causes  which  they  could  not  control ; 
for,  to  the  extreme  ruggedness  of  the  way  over 


112  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JAcKSON. 

which  wagons  had  to  pass,  was  to  be  added  the 
real  difficulty  of  obtaiumg  a  sufficient  number  on 
the  frontiers. 

About  the  middle  of  the  month,  Jackson  ordered 
the  troops  to  advance,  end  form  a  union  at  head- 
quarters, then  at  Fort  Strother.  Greatly  to  his 
surprise,  he  soon  after  learned  that  the  contractor 
from  East  Tennessee  had  again  failed  to  comply 
with  his  engagement,  notwithstanding  the  ample 
means  which  he  possessed,  and  the  full  time  allowed 
him  for  that  purpose.  The  troops,  however,  agree- 
ably to  the  order  received,  proceeded  on  their 
marcli.  Those  from  the  second  division,  under 
Brigadier-General  Johnston,  arrived  on  the  14th; 
v/hich,  added  to  the  force  under  General  Doherty, 
from  East.  Tennessee,  constituted  about  five  thou- 
sand effectives.  Composed,  as  this  army  was,  of 
troops  entirely  raw,  it  was  not  to  be  expected  that 
any  thing  short  of  the  greatest  firmness  in  its 
officers  could  restrain  that  course  of  conduct  and 
disorder,  which  had  hitherto  so  unhappily  prevailed. 

The  execution  of  a  private,  (John  Woods,)  who 
had  been  sentenced  by  a  court-martial,  on  a  charge 
of  mutiny,  produced,  at  tliis  time,  great  excitement, 
and  the  most  salutary  effects.  That  mutinouii 
spirit,  which  had  so  frequently  broken  into  the 
camp,  and  for  a  while  suspended  all  active  opera 
tions,  remained  to  be  checked.  A  fit  occasion  was 
now  at  hand  to  evince,  that  although  militia,  wheu 
at  their  fire-sides  at  home,  might  boast  an  exemp- 
tion from  control,  yet  in  the  freld  those  high  no- 
tions were  to  be  abandoned,  and  subordination  ob- 
served. Painful  as  it  was  to  the  feelings  of  the 
general,  he  viewed  it  as  a  sacrifice  essential  to  the 
preservation  of  good  order,  and  left  the  sentence  of 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  113 

the  court  to  be  inflicted.  The  execution  was  pro- 
ductive of  the  happiest  effects ;  order  was  pro- 
duced, and  that  opinion  which  had  so  long  prevailed, 
that  a  militia-man  was  privileged,  and  for  no  offence 
'iable  to  suffer  death,  was,  from  that  moment, 
abandoned,  and  a  stricter  obedience  than  had  been 
practised  afterwards  characterized  the  army. 

Nothing  was  wanting  now  to  put  the  troops  in 
motion,  and  actively  to  prosecute  the  war,  but  the 
arrival  of  necessary  supplies.  Remonstrance,  en- 
treaty, and  threats,  had  long  since  been  used  and 
exhausted.  Every  mean  had  been  resorted  to,  to 
impress  on  the  minds  of  the  contractors  the  ne- 
cessity oi  urging  forward  in  faithful  discharge  of 
their  duty ;  but  the  same  indifference  and  neglect 
were  still  persisted  in.  To  ward  off  the  effects 
of  such  great  evils — evils  which  he  foresaw  must 
again  eventuate  in  discontent  and  revolt — Jack 
eon  resolved  to  pursue  a  different  course,  and  no 
longer  depend  on  persons  who  had  so  frequently 
disappointed  him,  and  whose  only  object  was  the 
acquirement  of  wealth.  He  accordingly  despatched 
messengers  to  the  nearest  settlements,  with  direc- 
tions to  purchase  provisions,  at  whatever  price  they 
could  be  procured.  This  course,  to  these  incum- 
bents on  the  nation,  afforded  an  argument  infinitely 
stronger  than  any  to  which  he  had  before  resorted. 
Unexpectedly  assailed  in  a  way  they  had  not  pre- 
viously thought  of,  by  being  held  and  made  liable 
for  the  amount  of  the  purchases,  which  by  their 
neglect  was  rendered  necessary,  they  exerted 
themselves  in  discharge  of  a  duty  they  had  hith- 
erto too  shamefully  neglected.  Every  expedient 
had  been  practised  to  urge  them  to  a  compliance  with 
llie  obligations  they  were  under  to  their  govero 
10* 


114 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON, 


ment ;  until  the  present,  none  had  proved  effectual. 
In  one  of  his  letters,  about  this  time,  the  general 
remarks, — "  I  have  no  doubt  but  a  combination  heia 
been  formed  to  defeat  the  objects  of  the  campaign , 
but  the  contractor  ought  to  have  recollected,  that 
he  had  disappointed  and  starved  my  army  once ; 
and  now,  in  return,  it  shall  be  amply  provided  for 
at  his  expense.  At  this  point  he  was  to  have  de- 
livered the  rations — and,  v/hatever  they  may  cost,  at 
this  place  he  will  be  required  to  pay :  any  price 
that  will  ensure  their  delivery,  I  have  directed  to 
be  given."  The  supplying  an  army  by  contractors, 
he  had  oflten  objected  to  as  highly  exceptionable 
and  dangerous.  His  monitor,  on  this  subject,  wa? 
his  own  experience.  Disappointment,  mutiny,  and 
abandonment  by  his  troops,  when  in  the  full  career 
of  success,  and  an  unnecessarily  protracted  cam- 
paign, were  among  the  evils  already  experienced, 
and  which  he  desired,  if  possible,  might  be  in  future 
avoided.  The  difficulties,  the  perplexities,  he  had 
met,  and  the  constant  dissatisfaction  which  had 
rendered  his  troops  inefficient,  were  wholly  to  be 
attributed  to  those,  who,  in  disregard  of  the  public 
good,  had  looked  alone  to  their  own  immediate 
benefit.  It  was  hiffh  time  that  the  feelings  and 
interest  of  such  men  should  be  disregarded,  and 
a  sense  of  duty  enforced,  by  that  sort  of  appeal 
which  sordid  minds  best  can  understand — an  ap- 
peal to  profit  and  the  purse. 

Under  these  and  other  circumstances,  which 
seemed  to  involve  the  most  serious  consequences, 
the  general  liad  but  little  time  for  either  repose  or 
quietness.  Every  thing  was  moving  in  opposition 
to  his  wishes.  The  East  Tennessee  brigade,  under 
the  command  of  Doherty,  having  been  instructed 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON  115 

to  halt,  until  adequate  supplies  should  bo  received 
at  head-quarters,  had  already  manifested  many 
symptoms  of  revolt,  and  was  with  difRculty  re- 
strained from  abandoning  the  field,  and  returning 
immediately  home.  Added  to  their  own  discon- 
tents, pains  had  been  taken  by  a  personage  high  in 
authority  to  scatter  dissension,  and  to  persuade 
them  that  they  had  been  improperly  called  out,  and 
without  sufficient  authority ;  that  the  draft  wa3 
illegal,  and  that  they  were  imder  no  necessity  of 
remaining.  On  the  morning  that  General  Doherty 
was  about  to  proceed  to  head-quarters,  he  was 
astonished  to  hear  the  drums  beating  up  for  volun 
teers  to  abandon  his  camp  and  return  home.  Not- 
withstanding all  his  efforts  to  prevent  this  injurious 
measure,  one  hundred  and  eighty  deserted.  His 
surprise  was  still  greater,  on  receiving  information 
in  which  he  confided,  that  instructions  by  Major- 
Gcneral  Cocke  had  been  given,  that,  in  the  event 
any  number  of  the  troops  should  be  marched  back, 
he  would  take  upon  himself  to  discharge  them 
from  all  responsibility  on  their  return  to  Knoxville 
The  general  had  previously  appeared  at  the  camp 
of  Doherty,  and,  by  different  means,  attempted  to 
excite  mutiny  and  disaffection  among  the  troops. 
As  a  reason  for  being  unwilling  to  assume  the  com- 
mand, and  go  with  them  to  the  field,  he  stated,  that 
they  would  be  placed  in  a  situation  which  he  dis- 
liked to  think  of,  and  one  which  his  feelings  would 
not  enable  him  to  witness ;  tJiat  they  were  about  to 
be  placed  under  the  command  of  General  Jackson, 
who  would  impose  on  them  the  severest  trials,  and 
where  they  would  have  to  encounter  every  imagina- 
ble privation  and  suffering.  He  represented,  that 
at  head-quarters  there  was  not  a  Gufficiency  of  pro- 


116  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

visions  on  hand  to  last  five  days ;  nor  was  there  a 
probability  that  there  would  happen  any  change  of 
circumstances  for  the  better ;  that,  should  they 
once  be  placed  in  the  power  of  Jackson,  such  was 
his  nature  and  disposition,  that,  with  the  regular 
force  under  his  command,  he  would  compel  them  to 
serve  whatever  length  of  time  he  pleased.  Doherty, 
who  was  a  brigadier  in  the  first  division,  was  at  a  loss 
to  know  how  he  should  proceed  with  his  own  major- 
general,  who,  having  thus  obtruded  himself  into  his 
camp,  was  endeavouring  to  excite  mutiny  and  re- 
volt :  he  accordingly  despatched  an  express  to 
head-quarters  to  give  information  to  General  Jack- 
Bon  of  what  was  passing  in  his  camp.  The  mes- 
senger arrived,  and,  in  return,  received  an  order  to 
Doherty,  commanding  him,  peremptorily,  to  seize, 
and  send  under  guard  to  Fort  Strother,  every 
officer,  without  regard  to  his  rank,  who  should  be 
found,  in  any  manner,  attempting  to  incite  his  army 
to  mutiny.  Genei-al  Cocke,  apprehending  what 
was  going  on,  or  obtaining  intelligence,  retired  be- 
fore the  order  arrived,  and  thus  escaped  the  pun- 
ishment due  to  so  aggravated  an  oflfence. 

About  this  time,  Colonel  Dyer  was  despatched 
with  six  hundred  men,  with  orders  to  proceed  to  the 
head  of  the  Black  Warrior,  and  ascertain  if  anj 
force  of  the  Indians  was  imbodied  in  that  quartei; 
and  disperse  them.  This  detachment,  having  pro- 
ceeded eight  days  through  the  heights  along  th« 
Cahavvba,  had  fallen  in  with  a  trail  the  enemy  ha^ 
passed,  stretching  eastwardly,  and  followed  it  fo/ 
some  distance.  Apprehending  tliat  the  army  might 
be  on  the  eve  of  departing  from  Fort  Strother,  and 
being  unable  to  obtain  any  certain  information  of 


LIFE    OF    GEiNERAL    JACKSON.  117 

the  savages,  he  desisted  from  the  pursuit,  and 
returned  to  camp. 

That  there  might  be  no  troops  in  the  field  in  a 
situation  not  to  be  serviceable,  and  as  supplies  were 
an  important  consideration,  orders  were  given  the 
brigadiers  to  dismiss  from  the  ranks  every  invalid, 
and  all  who  were  not  well  armed. 

General  Jackson,  at  length,  by  constant  and  un- 
remitted exertions,  obtained  such  supplies  as  he 
believed  would  be  necessary  to  enable  him  to 
proceed.  On  the  14th  he  commenced  his  march, 
and,  crossing  the  river,  arrived  on  the  21st  at  the 
mouth  of  Cedar  Creek,  which  had  been  previously 
selected  for  the  establishment  of  a  fort.*  At  this 
place  it  became  necessary  to  delay  a  day  or  two, 
and  await  the  coming  of  the  provision  boats,  which 
were  descending  the  Coosa. 

On  the  22d  of  January,  the  day  of  the  battle  of 
Emuckfaw,  General  Coffee,  as  has  been  already 
etated,  had  been  detached  to  destroy  the  Indian 
encampment  on  the  Tallapoosa:  having  recon- 
noitred their  position,  and  believing  them  toe 
strongly  posted  to  be  advantageously  assailed  by 
the  force  which  he  then  commanded,  he  had  re- 
tired without  making  the  attempt.  The  position 
they  had  chosen  was  at  a  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa, 
called  by  the  Indians  Tohopeka,  which,  interpreted 
into  our  language,  means  Horse-Shoe,  not  far  from 
New  Youcka,  and  near  the  Oakfusky  villages. 
Fortified  by  nature  and  the  skill  of  the  savages, 
no  other  conjecture  was  entertained,  than  that  at  this 
place  was  intended  a  defence  of  the  most  deter- 
mined kind.  Learning  that  the  Indians  were  still 
imbodied  here,  Jackson  resolved  to  make  a  descent 

*  Fort  Wilhams. 


118       LIFE  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON. 

on  it,  and  destroy  the  confederacy;  thence,  return- 
ing to  Fort  Williams  for  provisions,  to  urge  forward 
to  the  Hickory  Ground,  where  he  hoped  he  should 
be  able  finally  to  terminate  the  war. 

On  the  24th,  leaving  a  sufficient  force  under 
Brigadier-General  Johnston  for  the  protection  of 
the  post,  with  eight  days'  provisions,  he  left  Fort 
Williams  for  the  Tallapoosa,  by  the  way  of  Emuck- 
faw.  The  whole  force  now  with  him  amounted 
to  less  than  three  thousand  effective  men  ;  being 
considerably  reduced  by  the  necessity  of  leaving 
behind  him  detachments  for  garrisons  at  the  differ- 
ent forts.  At  ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
27th,  after  a  march  of  fifty-two  miles,  he  reached 
the  village  Tohopeka.  The  enemy,  having  gained 
intelligence  of  his  approach,  had  collected  in  con- 
siderable numbers,  with  a  view  to  give  him  battle. 
The  warriors  from  the  adjacent  towns,  Oakfnsky, 
Hiilabee,  Eufalee,  and  New  Youcka,  amounting  to 
a  thousand  or  twelve  hundred,  v/ere  here  collected, 
and  waiting  his  approach.  They  could  have  select- 
ed no  place  better  calculated  for  defence  ;  for,  in- 
dependent of  the  advantages  bestowed  on  it  by 
nature,  their  own  exertions  had  greatly  contributed 
to  its  strength.  Surrounded  almost  entirely  by  the 
river,  it  was  accessible  only  by  a  narrow  neck  of 
land,  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  yards  width,  which 
they  had  taken  much  pains  to  secure,  by  placing 
large  timbers  and  trunks  of  trees  horizontally  on 
each  other,  leaving  but  a  single  place  of  entrance. 
From  a  double  row  of  port-holes  formed  in  it,  they 
were  enabled  to  give  complete  direction  to  their 
fire,  whilst  they  lay  in  perfect  security  behind. 

General  Coffee,  at  the  head  of  the  mounted  in- 
fantry and  friendly  Indians,  had  been  despatched 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON,  ll9 

early  in  the  morning  from  camp,  with  orders  to 
gain  the  southern  bank  of  the  river,  encircle  the 
bend,  and  make  some  feint,  or  manoeuvring,  to 
divert  the  enemy  from  the  point  where  the  attack 
was  intended  principally  to  be  waged.  He  was 
particularly  instructed  so  to  arrange  the  force  under 
/lis  command,  that  the  savages  might  not  escape  by 
passing  to  the  opposite  side  in  their  canoes,  with 
which,  it  was  represented,  the  whole  shore  was 
lined.  Jackson,  with  the  rest  of  the  army,  pro- 
ceeded to  take  a  position  in  front  of  the  breast- 
work. Havmg  planted  his  cannon  on  an  eminence, 
about  two  hundred  yards  from  the  front  of  the 
enemy's  line,  with  a  view  to  break  down  his 
defence,  a  brisk  fire  commenced.  The  musketry 
and  rifles,  which  occupied  a  nearer  position,  were 
used  as  the  Indians  occasionally  showed  themselvea 
from  behind  their  works.  The  artillery  was  well 
served  by  Major  Bradford,  and  the  lire  kept  up  for 
some  minutes  without  making  any  impression  ;  time^ 
however,  was  gained  for  complete  readiness.  The 
signals  having  now  announced  that  General  Coffeo 
had  reached  in  safety  his  point  of  destination,  o^i 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  had  formed  his  line, 
and  was  ready  to  act,  the  order  was  given  to 
charge.  "  Never  were  troops  more  eager  to  be 
led  on  than  were  botii  regulars  and  militia.  They 
had  been  waiting  wiai  impatience  for  the  order, 
and  hailed  it  with  acclamations.  The  spirit  that 
animated  them  was  a  sure  augury  of  the  success 
chat  was  to  follow."  Between  them  there  was  no 
difference  ;  both  advanced  with  the  ftitrepidity  and 
firmness  of  veteran  soldiers.  The  thirty-ninth 
regiment,  led  on  by  their  commander.  Colonel  Wil- 
liams, and  the  brave  but  ill-fated  Major  Montgomery 


120  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

and  the  militia  under  the  command  of  Colone. 
Bunch,  moved  forward  amidst  a  destructive  fire 
that  continually  poured  upon  them,  and  were  pres- 
ently at  the  rampart.  Here  an  obstinate  and 
destructive  conflict  ensued,  each  contending  for 
the  port-holes,  on  different  sides.  Many  of  the 
enemy's  balls  were  welded  between  the  muskets 
and  bayonets  of  our  soldiers.  At  this  moment, 
Major  Montgomery,  leaping  on  the  wall,  called  tc 
his  men  to  mount  and  follow  him ;  he  had  scarcely 
spoken,  when,  shot  through  the  head,  he  fell  lifeless 
to  the  ground.  Our  troops  eagerly  followed  the 
example  he  had  set,  and  scaled  their  ramparts. 
Finding  it  no  longer  tenable,  the  savages  aban- 
doned their  position,  and,  retiring  from  their  works, 
concealed  themselves  amidst  the  brush  and  timber 
that  lay  'thickly  scattered  over  the  peninsula : 
whence  they  kept  up  a  galling  fire,  until  they  were 
again  forced  back.  Driven  to  despair,  not  knowing 
whither  to  flee,  and  resolving  not  to  surrender, 
they  saw  no  other  alternative,  than  an  effort  to 
effect  their  escape,  by  passing  in  their  canoes  to 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  river;  from  this  they  were, 
however,  prevented,  by  perceiving  that  a  part  of 
the  army  already  lined  the  opposite  shore.  Under 
these  circumstances,  the  remaining  warriors,  who 
yet  survived  the  severity  of  the  conflict,  betaking 
themselves  to  flight,  leaped  aown  the  banks,  anc^ 
concealed  themselves  along  the  cliffs  and  steeps, 
which  were  covered  by  the  trees.  Many  had  betaken 
themselves  to  the  west  angle  of  their  line  of  de- 
fence, where,  under  protection  of  heaps  of  brush, 
a  spirited  fire  was  kept  up  upon  those  of  our  troops 
who  had  gained  their  lino,  and  those  who  were 
advancing  on  the  outer  side.     From  these  secreted 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  121 

places  tliey  would  fire  and  disappear.  General 
Jackson,  perceiving  that  further  resistance  must 
involve  tliem  in  utter  destruction,  and  entertaining 
a  desire  that  they  should  yield  a  contest  which  now 
evidently  was  a  hopeless  one,  ordered  the  interpre- 
ter to  advance  with  a  flag,  under  cover  of  Gome 
trees  which  stood  in  front,  until  he  should  reach  a 
position  sufficiently  near  to  be  heard.  He  did  so, 
and,  having  arrived  within  forty  yards  of  the  spot 
where  the  Indians  were  concealed,  in  an  audible 
voice,  and  in  tlieir  own  language,  addressed  them ; 
told  them  of  the  folly  of  further  resistance,  and 
that  he  was  commanded  by  General  Jackson  to  say, 
that,  if  disposed  to  surrender,  they  should  be  re- 
ceived and  treated  as  prisoners.  They  waited 
patiently  until  he  had  finished,  and  heard  what  he 
had  to  say  ; — a  pause  ensued  ;  and,  at  the  moment 
when  he  was  expecting  to  receive  an  answer,  and 
to  learn  that  a  surrender  would  be  at  once  ma,de,  a 
fire  was  opened  upon  the  flag,  and  the  interpreter 
severely  wounded  in  the  brea,st.  Finding  they 
would  not  yield,  orders  were  given  to  dislodge  them. 
To  accomplish  this,  the  artillery  was  Srst  turned 
ao-ainst  them ;  but,  being  from  its  size  incapable  of 
producing  any  effect,  a  charge  was  made,  in  which 
several  valuable  lives  were  lost ;  il  however  suc- 
ceeded, and  the  enemy  were  dislodged  from  their 
covert  place  on  the  right  angle  of  their  line  of 
defence.  Lighted  torches  were  now  thrown  down 
the  steeps,  which,  communicating  with  the  brush 
and  trees,  and  setting  them  on  fire,  drove  them 
from  their  hiding-places.  Still  did  they  refuse  to 
surrender,  and  still  maintained  the  conflict.  Thus 
the  carnage  continued  until  night  separated  the 
combatants,  when  the  few  misguided  savages,  wJio 
11 


122  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

had  avoided  tJie  havoc  and  slaughter  of  tlie  day, 
were  enabled,  through  tlie  darkness  of  the  night, 
to  make  their  escape. 

Whilst  the  attack  was  thus  waged  in  front  of 
the  line,  the  friendly  Indians  in  General  Coffee's 
detachment,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Mor- 
gan, with  Captain  Russell's  company  of  spies,  were 
effecting  much ;  and,  no  doubt,  to  the  course  pur- 
sued by  them,  on  the  opposite  side,  was  greatly 
owing  the  facility  with  which  the  breast-work  was 
scaled,  and  its  possession  obtained.  The  village 
stood  on  the  margin  of  the  river,  and  on  that  part 
of  the  peninsula  most  remote  from  the  fortification. 
At  the  Ime  were  all  their  warriors  collected.  Seve- 
ral of  the  Cherokees  and  Russell's  spies  having 
Bwum  across,  unobserved,  and  procured  their  ca- 
noes, a  considerable  number  passed  over,  entered 
the  town,  and  fired  it.  No  sooner  was  this  dis- 
covered, than  their  attention  was  divided,  and  drawn 
to  the  protection  of  a  point  where  they  had  not  ap- 
prehended an  attack.  Thus  assailed  from  an  un- 
expected quarter — a  force  in  their  rear,  and  another. 
Btill  stronger,  advancing  on  their  front — the  invading 
army  was  afforded  a  much  easier  and  less  hazardous 
opportunity  of  succeeding  in  the  assault  and  secur- 
ing the  victory. 

This  battle  gave  a  death-blow  to  their  hopes  ;  nor 
did  they  venture,  afterwards,  to  make  a  stand. 
From  their  fastness  in  the  woods  they  had  tried 
their  strength,  agreeably  to  their  accustomed  mode 
of  warfare  ;  in  ambuscade,  had  brought  on  the  at- 
tack ;  and,  in  all,  failure  and  disaster  had  been  me*. 
None  of  the  advantages  incident  on  surprise,  and 
for  which  the  red  men  of  our  forests  have  been 
always  so  characterized,  had  they  been  able  to  ob- 


l.(l'E    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  123 

tain.  The  continual  defeats  they  had  received 
were,  doubtless,  the  reason  of  their  having  so 
strong'ly  fortified  this  place,  where  they  had  deter- 
mined to  perish  or  to  be  victoiious.  Few  escaped 
the  carnage.  Of  the  killed,  many  by  their  friends 
were  thrown  into  the  river,  whilst  the  battle  raged ; 
many,  in  endeavouring  to  p^ss  it,  were  sunk  by 
the  steady  fire  of  Coffee's  brigade  ;  and  five  hun- 
dred and  fifly-seven  were  left  dead  on  the  ground. 
Among  the  number  of  the  slain  were  three  oi 
Jieir  prophets.  Decorated  in  a  most  fantastic  man- 
ner— the  plumage  of  various  birds  about  their  heads 
and  slioulders — with  savage  grimaces,  and  horrid 
contortions  of  the  body,  they  danced  and  howled 
their  cantations  to  the  sun.  Their  dependants  al- 
ready believed  a  communion  with  Heaven  sure, 
which,  moved  by  entreaty,  and  their  offered  homage, 
would  aid  them  in  the  conflict,  and  give  a  triumph 
to  their  arms.  Fear  had  no  influence  ;  and  when 
they  beheld  our  army  approaching,  and  already 
scaling  their  line  of  defence,  even  then,  far 
from  being  dispirited,  hope  survived,  and  victory 
was  still  anticipated.  Monohoe,  one  of  the  most 
considerable  of  their  inspired  ones,  and  who  had 
cheered  and  kept  alive  the  broken  spirit  of  the  na- 
tion by  his  pretended  divinations,  fell,  mortally 
wounded,  by  a  cannon  shot  in  the  mouth,  while  ear- 
nestly engaged  in  his  incantations. 

Three  hundred  prisoners  were  taken,  most  of 
whom  were  women  and  children.  That  so  few 
Vv'arriors  should  have  sought  and  obtained  safety,  by 
appealing  to  the  clemency  of  the  victors,  to  persons 
acquainted  with  the  mode  of  Indian  warfare,  will 
not  appear  a  matter  of  surprise.  It  seldom  happens 
that  they  extend  or  solicit  quarter :  faithless  them* 


]24  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

selves,  they  place  no  reliance  on  the  faith  of  others ; 
and,  when  overcome  in  battle,  seek  no  other  pro- 
tection than  retreat  affords.  Another  cause  for  it 
may  be  found  in  a  reason  already  given  ;  the  attack, 
by  a  detachment  of  General  Cocke's  division,  on 
the  Hillabee  clans,  who  were  assailed  and  put  to  the 
sword,  at  a  moment  when,  having  asked  peace  at 
discretion,  they  were  expecting  it  to  be  given. 
This  misfortune  had  alone  been  occasioned  by  a 
want  of  concert  in  the  divisions  of  our  army  ;  but 
It  was  past,  and  with  it  was  gone,  on  the  part  of  tlie 
savages,  all  confidence  in  our  integrity  and  humani- 
ty ;  and  they  looked  and  trusted  for  safety  now  to 
nothing  but  their  own  bravery.  In  this  contest 
they  maintained  resistance,  fighting  and  firing  from 
their  covert  places,  long  after  the  hope  either  of 
success  or  escape  was  at  an  end,  and  after  the  pro- 
posal had  been  submitted  to  spare  the  further  use- 
less waste  of  blood.  A  few,  who  had  lain  quiet, 
and  concealed  under  the  cliffs,  survived  the  severity 
of  the  conflict,  and  effected  their  retreat  under 
cover  of  the  night. 

Our  loss  was  small,  when  compared  witli  that  of 
the  enemy ;  the  whole  estimate,  including  tho 
friendly  and  Cherokee  Indians,  was  but  fifty-five 
killed,  and  one  hundred  and  forty-six  wounded.  Of 
the  former  was  Major  Montgomery,  a  brave  and  en- 
terprising young  officer,  of  the  thirty-ninth  regi- 
ment, and  Lieutenants  Moulton  and  Somerville,  who 
fell  early  in  the  action. 

The  object  of  the  present  visit  being  answeretl 
the  general  concluded  to  return  to  Fort  Williams. 
Having  sunk  his  dead  in  the  river,  to  prevent  their 
being  scalped  by  the  savages,  and  made  the  neces- 
sary arrangements  for  carrying  off  his  wounded,  he 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSO?(.  125 

commenced  his  return  marcli  for  the  fort,  and  in  a 
few  days  reached  it  in  safety.* 

Understanding  that  the  enemy  was  imbodicd,  in 
considerable  numbers,  at  Hoithlewalee,  a  town  situ- 
ated not  far  from  the  Hickory  Ground,  he  was  anx- 
ious ta  re-commence  his  operations  as  early  as 
possible,  that  the  advantages  he  had  gained,  and 
the  impression  he  had  made,  might  not  be  lost.  Tlie 
forces  under  his  command,  from,  sickness,  the  loss 
which  had  been  sustained  in  the  late  battle,  and 
numerous  discharges  given,  had  been  too  much  re- 
duced in  strength,  to  permit  him  to  act  as  efficiently 
as  the  importance  of  the  crisis  required.  It  was 
desirable,  therefore,  to  effect  a  junction  with  the 
southern  army  as  speedily  as  possible,  that,  from  an 
increase  and  concentration  of  his  numbers,  greater 
efficiency  might  be  had.  The  North  Carolina 
troops,  under  the  command  of  General  Graham,  an 
experienced  officer  of  the  revolutionary  war.  and 
those  of  Georgia,  under  Colonel  Milton,  were  as- 
certained to  be  somewhere  south  of  the  Tallapoosa, 
and  could  be  at  no  great  distance.  To  unite  with 
them  w-as  an  event  greatly  desired.  He  had  re 
ceived  from  General  Pinckney  strong  assurances 
«hat  all  complaints  would  be  at  an  end,  as  soon  as  his 
and  the  southern  division  could  unite.  No  time  was 
to  be  lost  in  effecting  a  purpose  so  essential.  Gene- 
ral Jackson  accordingly  determined  to  leave  his  sick 
and  wounded,  and  the  fort,  to  the  care  and  com- 
mand of  Brigadier  Johnston,  and  to  set  out  again 

*  Sinking'  tbem  in  the  river,  in  preference  to  burying'  ihem. 
was  a<i(ipled  from  the  consideration,  that  these  of  our  troops,  who 
lod  previously  fallen,  had  been  raised,  stripped,  and  scalped. 
Many  of  the  Indians  at  Toiiopeka  were  found  in  the  cloinca  of 
xhosc  who  harl  been  killed  and  bt  ■i.ed  at  Eniuckfa  v. 
11* 


126  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

for  the  Tallapoosa.  On  the  7th,  with  all  his  dispo- 
sable force,  he  commenced  his  march,  with  the 
double  view  of  effecting  a  union  with  the  army  be- 
low, and  of  attacking  on  his  route  the  enemy's 
force  which  were  collected  at  Hoithlewalee.  His 
greatest  difficulty  was  in  conveying  to  Colonel  Mil- 
ton intelligence  of  his  intended  operations.  The 
friendly  Indians,  who,  from  their  knowledge  of  the 
country,  had  been  always  selected  as  expresses, 
were  with  difficulty  to  be  prevailed  on  now  for  any 
such  undertaking.  Believing  their  nation  to  be 
imbodied  in  larger  numbers  than  any  which  had 
been  yet  encountered,  and  that,  confiding  in  their 
strength,  they  would  be  better  enabled  to  go  forth, 
searching  and  spying  through  the  surrounding 
country,  they  at  once  concluded  that  any  enterprise 
of  this  kind  would  he  attended  with  too  great  peril 
and  danger,  and  the  difficulty  of  eluding  observa- 
tion too  much  increased,  for  them  to  adventure. 
This  circumstance  prevented  the  arrangement  of 
such  measures  as  were  best  cakulated  to  bring  the 
different  divisions  to  act  in  general  concert.  The 
necessity,  however,  of  such  co-operation,  was  too 
important,  at  this  moment,  not  to  be  effected,  if  it 
were  possible. 

Having  at  length  succeeded  in  procuring  confi- 
dential messengers,  Jackson  addressed  Colonel  Mil- 
ton, and  advised  him  of  his  intended  movement. 
To  guard  against  any  accident  or  failure  that  might 
happen,  different  expresses  were  despatched,  by 
different  routes.  He  informed  him,  that,  with  eight 
days'  provisions,  and  a  force  of  about  two  thousand 
men,  he  should,  on  the  7th,  take  up  the  line  of  march, 
and  proceed  directly  for  Hoithlewalee  ;  which  he  ex- 
pected certainly  to  reach  and  attack  on  the  11th. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON  127 

The  point  of  destination,  owing  to  the  rain,  he 
was  not  able  to  reach  until  the  13th.     This  delay, 
unavoidable,   gave    the   Indians  an    opportunity  of 
fleeing  from  the  threatened  danger.     On  arriving 
at  an  Inconsiderable  stream  which  skirted  the  town, 
it  was  so  swollen  as  to  be   rendered  impassable. 
The  savages,  gaining   intelligence  of  an  approach 
that  was  thus  unavoidably  retarded,  were  enabled 
to  effect  an  escape  by  passing  the  river  in  theii 
canoes,  and  gaining  the  opposite  shore.     Had  Col- 
onel Milton  fortunately  made  a  different  disposition 
of  the  troops  under  his  command,  and,  by  guarding 
the   southern  bank   of  the  river,  co-operated   with 
the  Tennessee  division,  their   escape  would  have 
been  prevented,   and  the  whole   force,    collected, 
would  either  have  been  destroyed  or  made  prison- 
ers.    Although  Jackson,  in  his  letter  of  the  5th, 
had   given  intelligence  that  he  would    reach  the 
enemy  on  the  11th;  and,  when  prevented  by  high 
waters  and  rotten  roads,  had   again  notified  him 
that  he  would  certainly  arrive   and  commence  the 
attack  by  the  morning  of  the  13th,  and  urged  him" 
to  guard'  the  south  bank   of  the  Tallapoosa,    still 
was  the  request  disregarded,  and  the  savages  per- 
mitted to  escape.     Learning  they  were  abandoning 
their  position,  and  seeking  safety  in  flight,  Jackson 
file(^  to  the  right,   and,  overtaking  the  rear  of  the 
fugitives,  succeeded  in  making  twenty-five  prison- 
ers.    At  this  time,  nothing  was  heard  of  Colone* 
Milton ;  but  on  the  same  day,  having  marched  about 
five  miles  from  his  encampment  at  Fort  Decatur, 
and  approached  within  four  of  Iloithlewalee,  he, 
the  next  morning,  gave   notice  of  an  intention  to 
attack  the  village  that  day  ;  at  this  moment  the  in 
habitants  and  warriors  hsMi  flH    and  the  town  was 


12S  LIFE    OF    GE.VERAL    JACK  SOX. 

occupied  and  partly  destroyed  by  a  detachment 
from  Jackson's  army,  that  had  succeeded  in  passing 
die  creek. 

The  Georgia  army  bemg  so  near  at  hand,  was  a 
source  of  some  satisfaction,  although  the  escape  of 
the  enemy  had  rendered  their  presence  of  less  im- 
portance than  it  otherwise  would  have  been.  The 
stock  of  provisions,  with  which  the  march  had  been 
commenced  from  Fort  Williams,  was  now  nearly 
exhausted.  Assurances,  however,  having  been  so 
repeatedly  given,  that  abundant  supplies  would  be 
had  on  uniting  with  the  southern  army,  all  uneasi- 
ness upon  the  subject  was  at  once  dispelled.  Col 
onel  Milton  was  immediately  applied  to,  the  situa- 
tion of  the  army  disclosed,  and  such  aid  as  he  could 
extend  solicited.  He  returned  an  answer  to  the 
general's  demand,  observing,  he  had  sent  provisions 
for  the  friendly  Indians,  and  would,  the  next  day, 
lend  some  for  the  remainder  of  the  troops  ;  but  felt 
himself  under  no  obligation  to  furnish  any.  Jack- 
son, satisfied  of  its  being  in  his  power  to  relieve 
him,  and  that  this  apparent  unwillingness  did  not, 
and  could  not,  proceed  from  any  scarcity  in  his 
camp,  assumed  a  higher  ground,  and,  instead  of  ask- 
ing assistance,  now  demanded  it.  He  stated  that 
his  men  were  destitute  of  supplies,  and  that  he  had 
been  apprized  of  it ;  and  concluded  by  ordering^ 
not  requesting,  him  to  send  five  thousand  rations 
immediately,  for  present  relief;  and  for  himself  and 
the  forces  under  his  command  to  join  him  at  Hoith- 
lewalee  by  ten  o'clock  the  next  day.  "  Tliis  order," 
he  remarked,  "must  be  obeyed  without  hesitation." 
— It  was  obeyed.  The  next  day,  a  junction  having 
been  effected,  the  necessary  steps  were  taken  to 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  129 

bring  down  tlie  provisions  deposited  at  Fort  Deca- 
tur, and,  for  the  first  time  since  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Creek  war,  inconveniences  for  the 
want  of  supplies,  and  an  apprehension  of  sufiering, 
were  removed. 

Appearances  seemed  now  to  warrant  the  belief, 
that  the  war  would  not  be  of  much  longer  continu- 
ance ;  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  Hickory  Ground 
tribes  were  coming  in,  making  professions  of  friend- 
ship, and  giving  assurances  of  their  being  no  longer 
disposed  to  continue  hostilities.  The  general  had 
been  met,  on  his  late  march,  by  a  flag  from  these 
clans,  giving  information  of  their  disposition  to  be 
at  peace.  In  return  they  received  this  answer : — 
tliat  those  of  the  war  party,  who  were  desirous  of 
putting  an  end  to  the  contest,  and  of  becoming 
friendly,  should  evince  their  intention  by  retiring 
m  the  rear  of  the  army,  and  settling  themselves  to 
the  north  of  Fort  Williams ;  that  no  other  proof 
than  this,  of  their  pacific  dispositions,  would  be  re- 
ceived. Fourteen  chiefs  of  these  tribes  had  arrived, 
to  furnish  still  further  evidence  of  their  desire  for 
peace.  They  assured  the  general  that  their  old 
king,  Fous-hatchee,  was  anxious  to  be  permitted  to 
visit  him  in  person,  and  was  then  on  his  way,  with 
his  followers,  to  settle  above  Fort  Williams,  agree- 
ably to  the  information  he  had  received  by  the  flag 
which  had  lately  returned  to  him. 

Detachments  were  scourmg  the  country  to  the 
Bouth,  with  orders  to  break  up  any  collection  of  the 
enemy  that  might  be  heard  of  in  convenient  dis- 
tance. The  main  body  v;as  prepared  to  advance  to 
the  junction  of  the  two  rivers,  where,  until  now,  it 
had  been  expected  the  Indians  would  make  a  last 


130  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOIV. 

and  desperate  stand.*  Every  thing  was  in  readi- 
ness to  proceed  on  the  march,  when  it  was  an 
nounced  to  the  general,  that  Colonel  Milton's  brig- 
ade, which  had  lately  united  w-ith  him,  was  not  in 
a  situation  to  move.  During  the  previous  night 
some  of  his  wagon  horses  having  strayed  off,  per- 
sons had  been  sent  in  pursuit,  and  were  expected 
shortly  to  return  with  them  ;  when,  it  was  reported, 
he  would  be  ready  to  take  up  the  line  of  march. 
To  Jackson,  this  was  a  reason  for  delaying  the  ope- 
rations of  an  army,  which  as  yet  he  had  never 
learned,  and  by  which  he  had  never  been  influenced. 
He  had,  indeed,  been  frequently  made  to  halt, 
though  from  very  different  causes  ;  from  murmurs, 
discontents  and  starvation  in  his  camp.  He  replied 
to  the  colonel's  want  of  preparation,  by  telling  him, 
that,  in  the  progress  of  his  own  difficulties,  he  had 
discovered  a  very  excellent  m.ode  of  expediting 
wagons,  even  without  horses  ;  and  that,  if  he  would 
detail  him  twenty  men  from  his  brigade,  for  every 
wagon  deficient  in  horses,  he  would  guaranty  their 
safe  arrival  at  their  place  of  destination.  Rather 
than  subject  his  men  to  such  drudgery,  he  preferred 
to  dismount  some  of  his  dragoons,  and  thus  avoided 
the  necessity  of  halting  the  army  until  his  lost 
teams  should  arrive. 

The  army  continued  its  march  without  gaining 


*  The  Hickory  Ground,  or  that  part  of  the  Creek  nation  lying 
ni  the  forks,  near  where  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoa^a  unite,  was 
called  Uy  the  Indians  Holy  Ground,  from  a  tradition  and  belief 
prevailing^  amonsj  them,  that  it  never  had  been  pressed  by  the 
loot  of  a  while  man.  Aclinjr  under  the  inlliience  of  their  pro- 
phets, and  a  religious  fanaticism,  it  was  supposed  they  woula 
make  greater  exertions  to  defend  this  than  any  other  portion  o\ 
uicir  country 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOrf.  131 

intelligence  of  any  imbodied  forces  of  tlic  enemy  ; 
and,  without  the  happening  of  any  thing  of  im- 
portance, reached  old  Toulossee  Fort,  on  the  Coosa 
river,  not  far  from  ihe  confluence,  at  which  another 
was  determined  to  be  erected,  to  be  called  Fort 
Jackson,  after  the  commanding  general.  Here  the 
rivers  approach  witliin  one  hundred  poles  of  each 
other,  and,  again  diverging,  unite  six  miles  below. 
At  this  place,  the  cliiefs  of  the  different  tribes  were 
daily  arriving,  and  offering  to  submit  on  any  terms. 
They  all  concurred  in  their  statements,  that  tlioso 
of  the  hostile  party,  who  w^ere  still  opposed  to  ask- 
ing for  peace,  had  fled  from  the  nation,  and  sought 
refuge  along  the  coast  of  Florida,  and  in  Pensacola. 
General  Jackson  renewed  the  declaration,  that 
they  could  find  safety  in  no  other  way  than  by  re- 
pairing to  the  section  of  the  country  pointed  out 
to  them,  where  they  might  be  quiet  and  free  of  any 
sort  of  molestation. 

To  put  their  friendly  professions,  which  he  dis- 
trusted, at  once  to  the  test,  he  directed  them  to 
bring  Weatherford  to  his  camp,  confined,  that  he 
miglit  be  dealt  with  as  he  deserved.  He  was  one 
of  the  first  chiefs  of  the  nation,  and  had  been  a 
principal  actor  in  the  butchery  at  Fort  Minims. 
Justice  well  demanded  retaliation  against  him. 
Learning  from  the  chiefs  what  had  been  required 
of  them  by  Jackson,  he  was  prevailed  upon,  as  per- 
haps the  safer  course,  to  proceed  to  his  camp,  and 
make  a  voluntary  surrender  of  himself.  Having 
reached  it  without  being  known,  and  obtained  ad 
mission  to  the  general's  quarters,  he  fearlessly  stood 
in  his  presence,  and  told  him  he  was  Weatherford, 
the  chief  who  had  commanded  at  Fort  Mimms.  and 
that,  desiring  peace  for  himself  and  for  his  peop.e 


132  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON. 

he  had  come  to  ask  it.  Somewhat  surprised  that  one 
who  so  richly  merited  punishment  should  so  sternly 
demand  the  protection  which  had  heen  extended  to 
others,  Jackson  replied  to  him,  that  he  was  astonish- 
ed he  should  venture  to  appear  in  his  presence ;  that 
he  was  not  ignorant  of  his  having  been  at  Fort 
Mimms,  nor  of  his  inhuman  conduct  there,  for  which 
he  well  deserved  to  die.  "  I  had  directed,"  con- 
tinued he,  "  that  you  should  be  brought  to  me  con- 
fined ;  and  had  you  appeared  in  this  way,  I  should 
have  known  how  to  have  treated  you."  Weather- 
ford  replied,  "  I  am  m  your  power — do  with  me  as 
you  please.  I  am  a  soldier  ;  I  have  done  the  white 
people  all  the  harm  I  could ;  I  have  fought  them, 
and  fought  them  bravely  ;  if  I  had  an  army,  I  would 
yet  fight,  and  contena  co  the  last :  but  I  have  none  ; 
my  people  are  all  gone.  I  can  now  do  no  more 
than  weep  over  the  misfortunes  of  my  nation." 
Pleased  at  the  firm  and  high-toned  manner  of  this 
child  of  the  forest,  Jackson  informed  him,  that  he 
did  not  solicit  him  to  lay  down  his  arms,  or  to  be- 
come peaceable  :  "  The  terms  on  which  your  nation 
can  be  saved,  and  peace  restored,  have  already  been 
disclosed :  in  this  way,  and  none  other,  can  you 
obtain  safety."  If,  however,  he  desired  still  to 
continue  the  war,  and  felt  himself  prepared  to  meet 
the  consequences,  although  he  was  then  completely 
in  his  power,  no  advantage  should  be  taken  of  that 
circumstance  ;  that  he  was  at  perfect  liberty  to  re- 
tire, and  unite  himself  with  the  war  pa.rty,  if  he 
oleased ;  but,  when  taken,  he  should  know  how  to 
treat  him,  for  then  his  life  should  pay  the  forfeit  of 
his  crimes ;  if  this  were  not  desired,  he  might  re 
main  whore  he  was,  and  should  be  protected. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  133 

Nothing  dismayed,  Weatherford  answered,  that 
he  desired  peace,  that  his  nation  might,  in  some 
measure,  be  relieved  from  their  sufferings ;  that, 
independent  of  other  misfortunes,  growing  out  of  a 
state  of  war,  their  cattle  and  grain  were  all  wasted 
and  destroyed,  and  their  women  and  children  left 
destitute  of  provisions.  ^'  But,"  continued  he,  "  I 
may  be  well  addressed  in  such  language  now. 
There  was  a  time  when  I  had  a  choice,  and  could 
have  answered  you ;  I  have  none  now — even  hope 
has  ended.  Once  I  could  animate  my  warrrors  to 
battle  ;  but  I  cannot  animate  the  dead.  My  war- 
riors can  no  longer  hear  my  voice :  their  bones  are 
at  Talladega,  Tallushatchee,  Emuckfaw,  and  To- 
hopeka.  I  have  not  surrendered  myself  thought- 
lessly. Whilst  there  were  chances  of  success,  I 
never  lefl  my  post,  nor  supplicated  peace.  But  my 
people  are  gone,  and  I  now  ask  it  for  my  nation, 
and  for  myself.  On  the  miseries  and  misfortunes 
brought  upon  my  country,  I  look  back  with  deepest 
sorrow,  and  wish  to  avert  still  greater  calamities. 
If  I  had  been  left  to  contend  with  the  Georgia 
army,  I  would  have  raised  my  corn  on  one  bank  of 
the  river,  and  foughc  them  on  the  other ;  but  your 
people  have  destroyed  my  nation.  You  are  a  brave 
man:  I  rely  upon  your  generosity.  You  will  ex- 
act no  terms  of  a  conquered  people  but  such  as 
they  should  accede  to :  whatever  they  may  be,  it 
would  now  be  madness  and  folly  to  oppose.  If 
they  are  opposed,  you  shall  find  me  amongst  the 
sternest  enforcers  of  obedience.  Those  who  would 
still  hold  out  can  be  influenced  only  by  a  mean 
spirit  of  revenge ;  and  to  this  they  must  not,  and 
shall  not,  sacrifice  the  last  remnant  of  their  country 
You  have  told  our  nation  where  we  might  go,  and 
12 


134  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  * 

be  safe.    This  is  ;Tood  talk,  and  they  ought  to  listei 
to  it.     They  shall  listen  to  it." 

The  bold  independence  of  his  conduct  left  no 
doubt  of  the  sincerity  of  his  professions,  and  full 
confidence  was  reposed  in  his  declarations.  The 
peace  party  became  reconciled  to  him,  and  consent- 
ed to  bury  all  previous  animosities.  In  a  few  days 
afterwards,  having  obtained  permission,  he  set  out 
from  camp,  accompanied  by  a  small  party,  to  search 
through  the  forest  for  his  followers  and  friends,  and 
persuade  them  to  give  up  a  contest  in  which  hope 
seemed  to  be  at  an  end,  that,  by  timely  submission, 
they  might  save  their  nation  from  further  disasters 

The  present  was  a  favourable  moment  for  pre 
venting  all  further  opposition.     The  enemy,  alarm 
ed,  were  dispersed,  and  fleeing  in  different  direc 
tions.     To  keep  alive  their  apprencnsions,  and  pre 
vent  their  recovering  from  the   fears  with  which 
they  were  now  agitated,  was  of  the  utmost  impor 
tance.     If  time  were  given  them  to  form  furthe* 
resolutions,  some  plan  of  operation  might  be  con- 
certed ;  and,  although  it  might  not  be  productive  of 
any  alarming  consequences,  yet  it  might   have  a 
tendency  to  lengthen  out  the  war,  and  involve  those 
deluded  people  in  still  greater  wretchedness.     De- 
tachments, sufficiently  strong,  were  accordingly  or- 
dered out,  to  range  through  the  country,  prevent 
their  collecting  at  any  point,  and  to  scatter   and 
destroy  any  who  might  be  found  concerting  oilen- 
eive    operations.      Wherever   they    directed    tlieir 
course,  submission,  and  an  anxious  desire  for  peace, 
were  manifested  by  the  natives.     Tliose  who  were 
still  resolved   upon  a  continuance  of  the  war,  and 
trusted  for  relief  to  the  aid  which  by  their  British 
allioa  was  promised,  and  which  they  had  been  for 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  135 

lome  tune  expecting,  had  retired  out  of  the  country, 
towards  the  sea  coast,  not  doubting  but  the  assist- 
ance looked  for  would  shortly  arrive,  enable  them 
to  re-commence  hostilities  with  better  hopes  of  suc- 
cess, and  regain  their  country,  which  they  now 
considered  as  lost.  Many  of  the  chiefs  and  war- 
riors, looking  to  the  defeats  they  had  continually 
met  with  in  all  their  battles,  viewing  it  as  imprac- 
ticable, with  any  expectation  of  better  fortune,  to 
'^sist  the  numerous  forces  that  were  collecting,  and 
anxious  to  have  spared  to  them  a  portion  of  their 
country,  determined  to  discard  all  ideas  of  further 
resistance,  and  to  throw  themselves  for  safety  on  the 
mercy  of  their  conquerors.  To  this  end,  the  chief 
men,  from  the  different  tribes,  were  daily  arriving, 
and  asking  for  peace,  on  condition  only  that  their 
lives  might  be  spared. 

General  Jackson  was  not  ignorant  of  the  faith- 
lessness of  these  people,  and  how  little  confidence 
was  to  be  reposed  in  the  professions  of  an  enemy, 
who,  prompted  by  fear,  could  be  controlled  only  by  its 
influence.  He  well  knew  they  had  been  too  se- 
verely chastised  for  their  promises  to  be  relied  on, 
&nd  too  much  injured  not  to  feel  a  disposition  to 
renew  the  conflict  with  the  first  flattering  hope 
that  dawned.  Too  many  difficulties  had  been  en- 
countered, and  too  many  dangers  past,  in  bringing 
those  savages  to  a  sense  of  duty,  to  leave  them  now 
with  no  better  security  than  mere  professions. 
Some  arrangement  was  necessary  to  be  made  that 
should  ensure  certainty.  None  seemed  better  cal- 
culated for  these  ends,  than  what  had  been  already 
announced ;  that  those  disposed  to  throw  away  the 
war  club,  and  renew  their  friendly  relations  with 
the  United  States,  should  retire  in  the  rear  of  tlie 


136 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 


advance  of  the  army,  and  occupy  the  country  about 
the  fort  he  hcd  established,  and  to  the  east  of  the 
Coosa.  The  effect  of  such  an  arrangement  he  cal- 
culated would  be  this :  that,  by  the  line  of  posts 
already  established,  he  would  be  able  to  cut  them 
off  from  any  communication  with  Florida ;  while, 
by  being  placed  in  that  part  of  the  nation  inhabited 
by  the  friendly  Indians,  whose  fidelity  was  not 
doubted,  the  earliest  intelligence  would  be  had  of 
their  hostile  intentions,  should  any  be  manifested. 
The  conditions  proposed  were  most  cheerfully  ac- 
cepted ;  and  the  different  tribes  forthwith  sat  out  to 
occupy  a  portion  of  their  country,  which  alone 
Beemed  to  promise  them  protection  and  safety 
Proctor,  the  chief  of  the  Owewoha  war  towns,  to 
whom  this  promised  security  from  danger  had  first 
been  made,  was  reported  to  be  still  at  home,  and  to 
have  abandoned  all  intention  of  removing,  in  con- 
sequence of  permission  extended  by  the  United 
States'  agent  to  the  Creeks,  for  him  and  his  war- 
riors to  remain  where  they  then  were  residing.  On 
receiving  this  information,  the  general  despatched 
a  messenger  with  information  to  him,  that  whether 
he  or  the  agent  were  to  be  obeyed,  was  for  him  to 
decide  ;  but  that  he  should  treat  as  enemies  all 
who  did  not  immediately  retire  to  the  section  of 
country  which  he  had  pointed  out.  The  chief  of 
Owewoha  found  no  difficulty  in  deciding  the  ques- 
tion, and  without  delay  prepared  to  retire  where  he 
had  been  previously  ordered. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Gibson,  who  had  been  sent 
out  with  a  detachment  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  returned,  and  reported,  that  he  had  proceeded 
a  considerable  distance  down  the  Alabama  River, 
and  had  destroyed  several  towns  of  the  war  party, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  137 

but  coul J  gain  no  intelligence  of  a  force  being  any 
where  collected. 

By  the  establishment  of  Fort  Jackson,  a  line  of 
posts  was  now  formed  from  Tennessee  and  from 
Georgia  to  the  Alabama  River.  The  subdued 
spirit  of  the  Indians  clearly  manifesting  that  they 
were  sincere  in  their  desire  for  peace,  nothing 
remained  to  be  done  but  to  organize  the  different 
garrisons  in  such  a  manner,  that,  should  any  hostile 
intention  be  hereafter  discovered,  it  might  be  sup- 
pressed. What  final  steps  should  be  taken,  and 
what  plans  adopted,  for  permanent  security,  were 
to  be  deferred  for  the  arrival  of  Major-General 
Pinckney,  who,  being  in  the  neighbourhood,  would, 
it  was  expected,  on  the  next  day  reach  Fort  Jack 
son. 

On  the  20th  General  Pinckney  arrived,  and  as- 
sumed the  command  of  the  army.  The  course 
pursued  by  Jackson,  towards  satisfying  the  Indians, 
that  to  be  peaceable  was  all  that  was  required, 
meeting  liis  approbation,  and  understanding  that 
the  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  nation  were  retiring, 
with  their  families,  whither  they  had  been  directed, 
he  was  satisfied  hostilities  must  cease.  Indepen- 
dent of  their  professions,  heretofore,  much  of  the 
property  plundered  at  Fort  Mimms,  and  along  the 
frontiers,  having  been  brought  in,  no  doubt  was  en- 
tertained but  all  further  national  opposition  would 
be  withdrawn.  There  being  no  necessity,  there- 
fore, for  maintaining  an  army  longer  in  the  field, 
orders  were  issued,  on  the  21st,  for  the  troops  from 
Tennessee  to  be  marched  home  and  discharged , 
taking  care,  on  the  route,  to  leave  a  sufficient  force 
for  garrisoning  the  posts  already  established. 

To  troops  who  had  been  engaged  in  such  fa- 
12* 


138  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

tiguing-  marches,  who  had  been  so  often  exposed  to 
hardships,  and  who  had,  by  their  exertions  in  the 
cause  of  their  country,  brought  the  war  to  a  suc- 
cessful termination,  and  severely  chastised  the  sav- 
ages, it  was  a  pleasure  to  retire  to  their  homes  from 
the  scenes  of  wretchedness  they  had  witnessed, 
and  from  a  contest  where  nothing  remained  to  be 
done. 

Whilst  these  arrangements  were  progressing, 
the  friendly  Creeks  were  engaged  in  destroying 
their  fugitive  countrymen,  with  the  most  unrelent- 
insf  riorour.  To  have  been  at  the  destruction  of 
Fort  Mimms,  was  a  ground  of  accusation  against 
a  w^arrior,  which  at  once  placed  him  without  the 
pale  of  mercy.  They  affected  to  view  this  un- 
provoked^ offence  with  sentiments  of  deeper  invete- 
racy than  did  even  our  own  troops.  Meeting  a 
small  party  who  were  on  their  way  to  camp,  to  sub- 
mit themselves  on  the  terms  that  had  been  pre- 
viously offered,  and  understanding  they  had  ac- 
companied Weatherford  in  his  attack  on  this  fort, 
they  arrested  their  progress,  and  immediately  put 
them  to  death. 

In  two  hours  afler  receiving  General's  Pinckncy'g 
order,  the  western  troops  commenced  their  return 
march,  and  reached  Fort  Williams  on  the  evening 
of  the  24th.  Immediate  measures  were  adopted 
for  carrying  into  effect  what  had  been  ordered  ;  to 
send  out  detachments  to  disperse  any  collectiong 
of  the  war  party  that  might  be  found  on  the  route, 
and  within  striking  distance. 

The  East  Tennessee  troops,  having  a  longer  pe- 
riod to  serve,  were,  on  that  account,  selected  to 
garrison  the  different  posts.  General  Doherty 
\\a£  directed  to  detail  from  his  brigade  seven  bun 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON.  139 

Irtd  and  twenty-five  men,  for  the  defence  of  those 
points,  with  a  view  to  an  open  communication  being 
preserved  with  Fort  Jackson,  and  to  secure  more 
effectually  a  peace,  which  was,  perhaps,  not  so  se- 
curely established  as  that  any  precautionary  meas- 
ure should  be  omitted. 

General  Jackson,  being  about  to  separate  from 
his  army,  did  not  omit  to  disclose  to  them  the  high 
sense  he  entertained  of  their  conduct,  and  how  well 
they  had  deserved  of  their  country.  "  Within  a  few 
days,"  said  he,  "  you  have  annihilated  the  power  of 
a  nation  that  for  twenty  years  has  been  the  dis- 
turber of  your  peace." 

The  army  proceeded  on  its  march,  and,  crossing 
Tennessee  River,  in  safety  reached  Camp  Blount, 
near  Fayetteville,  where  they  were  discharged 
from  further  service.  Johnston,  who  had  previously 
fallen  in,  had  destroyed  some  of  the  enemy's  towns  ; 
but  had  learned  nothing  of  a  force  being  any  where 
imbodied  along  the  route  he  had  taken. 

On  parting  from  his  troops,  the  general  again 
brought  before  them  the  recollection  he  retained  of 
their  faithful  and  gallant  conduct,  and  the  patience 
with  which  they  had  borne  the  privations  and  hard- 
ships of  war.  On  his  return,  wherever  he  passed, 
the  plaudits  of  the  people  were  liberally  bestowed. 
The  ardent  and  extraordinary  zeal  he  had  mani- 
fested in  the  service  of  his  country,  the  difficulties 
he  had  surmounted,  with  the  favourable  termination 
which,  by  his  exertions,  had  been  given  to  a  contest 
that  had  kept  alive  the  anxieties  and  fears  of  the 
frontier  settlers,  excited  a  general  feeling  of  grati- 
tude and  admiration:  all  were  ready  to  evince  the 
high  sense  they  entertained  of  ^he  success  with 
which  every  effort  had  been  crowned,  and  with  ono 


140  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

accord  united  in  manifesting  their  confidence  and 
respect  for  him,  who,  by  his  zealous  exertions,  able 
management,  and  fidelity  to  the  cause  in  which  he 
nad  embarked,  had  so  greatly  contributed  to  the 
safety,  tlie  happiness,  and  quiet  of  the  country. 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON.  141 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Jackson  is  appointed  a  major-general  in  (lie  service  cf  the  United 
States. — is  directed  to  open  a.  negotiation  with  the  Indians. — 
Speech  of  the  Big  Warrior,  a  chief  of  the  nation. — Concludes 
a  treaty  with  (lie  Creek  Indians. — His  vieus  against  Pensacola 
and  Florida. — General  Ar7nstrong^s  letter. —  Jlie  Spanish 
governor  is  called  on  for  an  explayiation  of  his  conduct. — His 
answer,  and  General  Jackson's  reply. —  The  adjutant-gena-al  is 
despatched  to  Tennessee  to  raise  volunteers. — Jackson  sets  out 
for  Mobile. — Orders  Vie  Tennessee  troops  to  advance  lo  his  as- 
sistance. 

The  celerity  with  which  an  army  was  raised, 
and  pushed  into  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country, 
saved  the  frontiers.  TJie  misfortunes  of  the  mis- 
guided Indians  may  be  regretted,  but  cannot  be 
considered  as  unmerited.  Great  forbearance  liad 
been  exercised  towards  them.,  as  many  a  parent  can 
testify,  whose  heart  bleeds  at  the  remembrance  of 
a  child  that  fell  a  victim  to  their  sanguinary  cruelty. 
Cold  Water,  on  the  Tennessee,  was  long  a  den  for 
these  savages,  whence  they  made  inroads,  and,  by 
their  inhuman  butcheries,  kept  the  frontier  inhabit- 
ants in  perpetual  alarm.  A  descent  was 'made  on 
this  settlement,  as  early  as  1787.  which  resulted  in 
its  destruction.  For  causes  already  detailed,  their 
towms  \vere  once  more,  in  tlie  winter  of  1813,  as- 
sailed, and  destroyed. 

The  war  in  which  the  United  States  w'ere  en- 
gaged with  Great  Britain,  afforded  the  Indians, 
as  they  believed,  a  safe  opportunity  again  to  satiate 
their  angry  passions.  In  addition  to  former  ani- 
mosities, British  emissaries  had  been  among  them, 
to  excite  them  to  opposition.  Arms  and  am.munitioii 
from  Pensacola  having  been  liberally  furnished, 
and  a  belief  strongly  inspired,  that  the,  Americana 


142  LIFE    OF    CE-NERAL    JACKSON 

could  be  driven  off,  and  tJie  lands  possessed  by  them 
regained  by  the  Indians,  they  at  once  resolved 
upon  the  course  they  v/ould  pursue.  The  dreadful 
and  cruel  assault  made  on  the  settlement  of  Tensaw 
was  the  first  intelligence  afforded  of  the  lengths  to 
'.vhich  they  had  determined  to  proceed.  The  in- 
security of  the  frontiers  requiring  that  efficient 
measures  should  be  taken  to  defend  them,  it  was 
high  time  for  the  government  to  abandon  the  course 
of  moderation  they  had  hitherto  practised  towards 
those  tribes.  The  legislature  of  Tennessee,  at  the 
period  of  tliis  murderous  assault,  being  in  session, 
with  a  promptitude  highly  honourable,  called  out  the 
forces  of  the  state,  without  giving  to  the  general 
government  information  of  the  threatened  danger 
To  protect  an  extensive  country,  by  erecting  garri 
sons,  and'  relying  on  them  for  defence,  did  not  ap 
pear  to  Jackson  a  course  at  all  likely  to  assure  it^ 
object.  Placed  in  command,  and  called  on  to  act 
he  determined,  with  the  troops  he  could  collect  or 
so  sudden  an  emergency,  to  carry  the  war  to  theii 
very  doors  ;  and,  by  giving  them  employment  at 
home,  to  divert  them  from  their  plans,  and  force 
them  at  once  into  measures  of  defence.  Urginp 
the  contractors,  therefore,  to  be  diligent  in  the  dis 
charge  of  their  duties,  and  to  forward  supplies  wiU 
all  possible  haste,  he  took  his  position  at  Fort  Stro- 
ther,  directly  in  the  enemy's  country.  The  battle 
of  Talladega,  which  shortly  afterwards  followed, 
gave  a  severe  check  to  those  sanguine  hopes  they 
»iad  indulged,  induced  them  to  believe  they  were 
contending  with  a  different  kind  of  people  from 
what  they  had  expected,  and  should  have  convinced 
them,  too,  tliat  the  promised  safety,  offered  by  their 
prophets,  tlirough  tlioir  spells  and  incantations,  wm 
mere  nonsense ;  yet  so  deluded  w^re  they,  and  so 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL  JaCKSON.         143 

confidently  confiding"  m  the  supernatural  powers  of 
liieir  inspired  men,  that  they  were  ready  to  attribute 
a  want  of  success  to  circumstances  over  which 
their  prophets  could,  in  future,  claim  control  . 
when  it  was  discovered  that  the  prophets  themselves 
did  not  escape  that  fatality  which  attended  their 
warriors  in  battle,  they  began  to  think,  either  that 
they  had  never  been  commissioned,  or  that  the 
Vreat  Spirit,  for  some  unknown  cause,  had  with- 
drawn his  confidence. 

The  death  of  Monohoe,  at  the  battle  of  Tohope- 
ka,  is  strongly  illustrative  of  the  infatuations  under 
which  these  deluded  and  ignorant  people  laboured. 
They  did  not  at  all  doubt,  but,  as  their  prophets 
had  told  them.,  that,  having  been  spoiled  of  their 
hunting-grounds,  they  w^ere  again  to  re-occupy 
them  through  the  aid  of  a  new  people,  who  from 
beyond  the  great  waters  were  coming  to  assist  in 
their  recovery.  A  confidence  in  whot  those  sooth- 
sayers disclosed  would,  also,  they  believed,  produce 
the  effect  of  protecting  and  guarding  them  from 
'.vounds  and  injury  when  engaged  in  battle.  All 
those  marvellous  stories  were  confided  in ;  but 
when,  at  this  battle,  one  of  their  principal  prophets 
fell,  and  by  a  cannon  shot  received  in  the  mouth, 
they  adopted  the  opinion,  that  tlie  character  of  the 
wound  was  a  judgment  on  his  false  pretensions,  and 
forthwith  departed  from  those  visions  of  faith  whicii 
previously  they  had  entertained. 

The  uniform  and  uninterrupted  successes  obtain- 
ed over  them,  in  all  our  battles,  may  impress  the 
minds,  not  only  of  these,  but  of  the  Indians  gene- 
rally within  our  limits,  with  a  higher  reverence  for 
the  character  of  our  nation  than  they  have  hitherto 
been  disposed  to  entertain  ;  give  protection  to  our 


144  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

citizens,  and  ensure  that  security  to  the  g-overn 
nient,  which  the  mildness  it  has  practised,  and  the 
tribute  it  has  constantly  given  them  for  their  peace, 
has,  heretofore,  never  been  able  to  effect;  they 
will  tend  to  destroy  the  influence  held  over  them 
by  otlier  nations,  and  bring  them  to  a  conviction, 
that  the  United  States  is  the  only  power  whose 
hostility  they  should  fear,  or  whose  friendship  they 
ishould  prize. 

It  was  now  eight  months  since  General  Jackson 
had  left  home,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the  Indian 
war ;  during  most  of  which  time  he  had  been  in  a 
situation  of  bodily  infirmity  that  would  have  direct- 
ed a  prudent  man  to  his  bed,  instead  of  advancing 
to  the  field.  During  this  period,  he  had  never  seen 
his  famil};,  or  been  absent  from  the  army,  except  to 
visit  the  posts  in  his  rear,  and  arrange  with  his  con- 
tractors some  certain  plan  to  guard  against  a  future 
failure  of  supplies.  His  health  was  still  delicate, 
and  rendered  retirement  essential  to  its  restoration  ; 
but  his  uniformly  successful  conduct,  and  the  es- 
sential advantages  he  had  produced,  had  brought 
him  too  conspicuously  before  tlie  public  for  any 
other  sentiment  to  be  indulged  than  that  he  should 
be  placed,  with  an  important  command,  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  United  States. 

The  resignation  of  General  Hampton  enabled  the 
government,  in  a  short  time,  to  aflbrd  him  an  evi- 
dence of  the  respect  it  entertained  for  his  ser\i- 
ces  and  character.  A  notice  of  his  appointment  as 
brigadier  and  brevet  major-general,  was  forwarded, 
on  the  22d  of  May,  from  the  war  department. 
General  Harrison  liaving,  about  this  time,  for 
some  cause,  become  dissatisfied  with  the  conduct 
of  the  government  towards  Jam,  refused  to  be  long- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  145 

€T  considered  one  of  her  military  actors  ;  to  supply 
tliis  vacancy,  a  commission  of  major-general  was 
forwarded  to  Jackson,  which  reached  him  the  day 
after  the  notification  of  his  first  appointment,  and 
before  he  had  been  enabled  to  return  an  answer 
whether  or  not  it  would  be  accepted.  The  impor- 
tant services  which  he  had  rendered,  added  to  the 
rank  which,  under  the  authority  of  his  state,  he 
had  held,  might  well  induce  a  doubt  whether  the 
appointment  first  conferred  was  at  all  complimen- 
tary, or  one  which,  in  justice  to  his  own  character, 
he  could  have  accepted.  Whatever  of  objection 
there  might  or  could  have  arisen,  on  this  subject, 
was  removed  by  the  subsequent  appointment  of 
major-general,  made  on  the  resignation  of  Harrison, 
and  which  was  accepted. 

The  contest  with  the  Indians  bemg  ended,  the 
first  object  of  the  government  was,  to  enter  into 
some  definitive  arrangement,  which  should  deprive 
of  success  any  effort  that  might  hereafter  be  made, 
by  other  powers,  to  enlist  those  savages  m  their 
wars.  None  was  so  well  calculated  to  answer  this 
end,  as  that  of  restricting  their  limits,  so  as  to  cut 
off  their  communication  with  British  and  Spanish 
agents  in  East  and  West  Florida. 

No  treaty  of  friendship  or  of  boundary  had  yet 
been  entered  into  by  the  government  with  the  In- 
dians; they  remained  a  conquered  people,  and 
witliin  the  limits,  and  subject  to  the  regulations  and 
restrictions,  which  had  been  prescribed  in  March, 
by  General  Jackson,  when  he  retired  from  their 
country.  He  was  now  called  upon  to  act  in  a  dif- 
ferent character,  and  to  negotiate  the  terms  upon 
which  an  amicable  understanding  should  be  restored 
betv/een  the  United  States  and  these  conquered 
13 


14G  LIFE    OF    GEXERAL    JACKSO.V. 

rndjans.  But  for  the  government  to  proceed  on 
the  principles  of  reciprocal  treaty  stipulations,  was, 
in  reference  to  the  expensive  war  imposed  on  them, 
and  the  unprovoked  manner  in  which  it  l;ad  hqen 
begun,  not  to  be  expected.  Those  Indians  ha(i 
broken  without  cause  the  treaty  they  had  made, 
outraged  humanity,  and  murdered  our  unoffendino 
citizens.  Under  such  circumstances,  by  the  peace 
now  to  be  concluded,  to  negotiate  with,  and,  as  here- 
tofore, recognise  them  as  an  independent  and  sove- 
reign people,  comported  not  with  propriety,  nor 
was  demanded  by  any  of  the  ties  of  moral  duty. 
General  Jackson,  therefore,  was  directed  to  treat 
with  them  as  a  conquered  people,  and  to  prescribe, 
not  negotiate,  the  conditions  of  a  peace.  Colonel 
Hawkins,  ^  who,  for  a  considerable  time  past,  had 
been  the  agent  to  this  nation,  was  also  associated 
in  the  mission.  With  the  western  people  the  ap- 
pointment was  not  acceptable,  and  much  solicitude 
was  felt  from  an  apprehension  of  his  influence  and 
weight  of  character  amongst  the  Indians ;  and  a 
fear  that  his  partialities  and  sympathies  might  in- 
cline him  too  much  to  their  interest. 

On  the  10th  of  July,  the  general,  with  a  small 
retinue,  reached  the  Alabama;  and  on  the  10th  of 
August,  after  some  difficulty,  succeeded  in  procur- 
ing the  execution  of  a  treaty,  in  which  the  Indians 
pledged  themselves  no  more  to  listen  to  foreign 
emissaries, — to  hold  no  communication  with  British 
or  Spanish  garrisons ;  guarantied  to  the  United 
States  the  right  of  erecting  military  posts  in  their 
country,  and  a  free  navigation  of  all  their  waters. 
They  stipulated  also,  that  they  would  suffer  no  agent 
or  trader  to  pass  among  them,  or  hold  any  kmd  of 
commerce  or  intercourse  with  their  nation,  unless 


L"FE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  147 

Bpecially  deriving  his  authority  from  the  president 
of  the  United  States. 

The  stipulations  and  exactions  of  this  treaty  were 
m  conformity  with  instructions  issued  from  the  de- 
partment of  war,  and  differs  in  expression  fron: 
what  has  been  usually  contained  in  instruments  of 
a  similar  kind.  It  breatlies  the  language  of  de- 
mand, not  of  contract  and  agreement;  and  hence 
h;is  General  Jackson  been  censured  for  the  manner 
after  which  the  negotiation  was  concluded.  The 
course,  however,  which  was  pursued,  is  readily  jus- 
tified by  the  expressions  of  the  order  under  which 
he  acted,  and  which  prevented  the  exercise  of  dis- 
cretion. General  Armstrong,  who  at  that  time  was 
in  the  cabinet,  and  spoke  the  sentiments  of  the 
president,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Jackson  on  the 
24th  of  March,  uses  the  following  remarks: — "It 
has  occurred  to  me,  that  the  proposed  treaty  with 
the  Creeks  should  take  a  form  altogether  military, 
and  be  in  the  nature  of  a  capitulation ;  in  v/hich 
case  the  whole  authority  of  making  and  conclud 
mg  the  terms  will  be  in  you  exclusively,  as  com- 
manding general."  Accompanying  this  were  in- 
structions formally  drawn  up,  and  which  were  to 
constitute  the  basis  on  which  the  negotiation  was 
to  resf^ 


*In  !he  instructions  which  issued  from  the  department  of  war, 
as  the  basis  on- which  this  treaty  was  to  be  concluded,  it  is  en- 
joined by  the  secretary'  to  exact, 

"  1st.  An  indemnification  for  expenses  incurred  by  the  United 
States  in  prosecuting'  tiie  war,  by  such  cession  of  land  as  may 
be  deemed  an  equivalent  for  said  expenses. 

"  2d.  A  stipulation  on  their  part,  that  tliry  will  cease  all  inter  • 
course  with  any  Spanisii  port,  garrison  or  luwn;  and  that  they 
will  not  ad.mit  amongst  ihem  any  agent  or  trader  who  does  not 
derive  his  authority  or  license  from  iho  United  States. 

"  3d.  An  acknowledcrment  of  the  right  of  the  United  States  to 


148  LIFE     OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

To  settle  the  boundary,  defining  the  extent  c« 
T.erritory  to  be  secured  to  the  Creeks,  and  that  which 
they  would  bo  required  to  surrender,  was  attended 
with  difficulty,  from  the  intrigues  of  the  Cherokee 
nation,  who  sought  to  obtain  such  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  their  lines  as  would  give  them  a  consider- 
able portion  of  country  never  attached  to  their 
claim.  The  Creeks  had  heretofore  permitted  this 
tribe  to  extend  its  settlements  as  low  dowm  the 
Coosa  as  the  mouth  of  Wills'  Creek.  It  was  insist- 
ed now,  in  private  council,  that,  as  they  were  about 
to  surrender  their  country  lying  on  the  Tennessee 
River,  they  should,  previously  to  signing  the  treaty, 
acknowledge  the  extension  of  the  Cherokee  boun- 
dary, which  would  secure  their  claim  against  that 
of  the  United  States.  The  only  reply  obtained 
from  the  Creeks  was  in  truly  Indian  spirit,  that 
they  could  not  lie  by  admitting  what  did  not  in 
reality  exist. 

Sufficient  territory  was  acquired  on  the  south  to 
give  security  to  the  Mobile  settlements,  and  to  the 
western  borders  of  Georgia,  which  had  often  felt 
the  stroke  of  Indian  vengeance  and  cruelty  ;  while 
at  the  same  time  was  effected  the  important  purpose 
of  separating  them  from  the  Seminole  tribes,  and  our 
unfriendly  neighbours  in  Florida.  To  the  frontiers 
of  Tennessee  an  assurance  of  safety  was  given  by 
the  settlements    which  would  be  afforded  on  the 

open  roads  through  their  territory,  and  also  to  establish  suci. 
miliiary  posts  and  trading  houses  as  may  be  .deemed  necessary 
and  proper  5  and 

"  4th.  A  surrender  of  the  propliets,and  other  instigators  of  l.^e 
war,  to  be  held  subject  to  the  order  of  the  president. 

"  You  are  authorized,  in  conjunction  wiih  Colonel  Hawkins,  to 
open  and  conclude  a  treaty  of  [HJace  with  the  liostile  Creeks,  as 
sooj;  as  ihev  shall  express  a  desire  to  put  an  end  to  the  «  ar. 

'*J.  AllMSTHO^G.' 


LIFE    OF    iJENERAli   JACKSON.  l49 

iands  stretching  along  the  Tennessee  River:  whilst 
the  extent  of  the  cession,  west  of  the  Coosa,  woula 
effectually  cut  off  all  communication  with  the  Chick- 
asaws  and  Choctaws,  and  prevent,  in  future,  the 
passage  of  those  emissaries  from  the  north-western 
tribes,  who,  during  the  present  war,  had  so  indus- 
triously fomented  the  discontents  of  the  Creeks, 
and  excited  them  to  hostility. 

Before  being  finally  acted  upon,  the  treaty  had 
been  fully  debated  in  council,  and  the  voice  of  the 
nation  pronounced  against  it.  Jackson  had  already 
submitted  the  views  of  his  government,  and  now 
met  them  in  council,  to  learn  their  determination. 
He  was  answered  by  the  Big  Warrior,  a  friendly 
chief,  and  one  of  the  first  orators  of  the  nation, 
who  declared  the  reluctance  that  was  felt,  in  yield- 
ing to  the  demand,  from  a  conviction  of  the  conse- 
quences involved,  and  the  distresses  it  must  inevita- 
bly bring  upon  them.  The  firm  and  dignified  elo- 
quence of  this  untutored  orator  evinced  a  nerve 
and  force  of  expression,  that  might  not  have  passed 
unnoticed,  had  it  been  exhibited  before  a  more 
highly  polished  assembly :  the  conclusion  of  his 
speech  is  given,  for  the  satisfaction  of  such  as  can 
mark  the  bold  display  of  savage  genius,  and  admire 
it  when  discovered.  Having  unfolded  the  causes 
that  produced  the  war,  told  of  their  sufferings,  and 
admitted  that  they  had  been  preserved  alone  by  the 
army  which  had  hastened  to  their  assistance,  he 
urged,  that,  although  m  justice  it  might  be  required 
of  them  to  defray,  by  a  transfer  of  a  portion  of 
their  country,  the  expenses  incurred,  yet  was  the 
demand  premature,  because  the  war  was  not  ended, 
nor  the  war  party  conquered  ;  they  had  only  fled 
awav,  and  might  yet  return  He  portrayed  the 
13* 


150  LIFE    OF    GE.VEKAL    .1ACKS05. 

habits  of  the  Indians,  and  how  seriously  they  would 
be  affected  by  the  surrender  required  of  them,  and 
thus  concluded : 

"  The  president,  our  father,  advises  us  to  honesty 
and  fairness,  and  promises  that  justice  shall  be 
done:  I  hope  and  trust  it  will  be!  I  made  this  war, 
which  has  proved  so  fatal  to  my  country,  that  the 
treaty  entered  into  a  long  time  ago,  with  father 
Washington,  might  not  be  broken.  To  his  friendly 
arm  I  hold  fast.  T  will  never  break  that  bright 
chain  of  friendship  Vv'e  made  together,  and  which 
bound  us  to  stand  to  the  United  States.  He  was  a 
father  to  the  Muscoga  people ;  and  not  only  to  them, 
but  to  all  the  people  beneath  the  sun.  His  talk  I 
now  hold  in  my  hand.  There  sits  the  agent  he 
sent  amoog  us.  Never  has  he  broken  the  treaty 
He  has  lived  with  us  a  long  time.  He  has  seen 
our  children  born,  who  now  have  children.  By  his 
direction  cloth  was  wove,  and  clothes  were  made, 
and  spread  through  our  country  ;  but  the  Red 
Sticks  came,  and  destroyed  all, — we  have  none  now 
Hard  is  our  situation,  and  you  ought  to  consider  it 
1  state  what  all  the  nation  knows :  nothing  will  i 
keep  secret. 

"  There  stands  the  Little  Warrior.  While  we 
were  seeking  to  crive  satisfaction  for  the  murders 
that  had  been  committed,  he  proved  a  mischief- 
maker  ;  he  went  to  the  British  on  the  lakes  ;  he 
CBme  back,  and  brought  a  package  to  the  frontiers, 
which  increased  the  murders  here.  This  conduct 
has  already  made  the  war  party  to  suffer  greatly  ; 
but,  although  almost  destroyed,  they  will  not  yet 
open  their  eyes,  but  are  still  led  away  by  the 
British  at  Pensacola.  Not  so  with  us  :  we  were 
rational,  and  had  our  senses — we  yet  are  so.     In 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKS  3N.  151 

the  Wfir  of  the  revolution,  our  father  beyond  the 
waters  encouraged  us  to  join  him,  and  we  did  so 
We  had  no  sense  then.  The  promises  he  niade 
were  never  kept.  We  were  young  and  foolish, 
and  fougjiit  with  him.  The  British  can  no  more 
persuade  us  to  do  wrong:  they  have  deceived  us 
once,  and  can  deceive  us  no  more.  You  are  two 
great  people.  If  you  go  to  war,  we  will  have  no 
concern  in  it;  for  we  are  not  able  to  fifjht.  We 
wisli  to  be  at  peace  with  every  nation.  If  they 
offer  me  arms,  I  will  say  to  them,  You  put  me  in 
danger,  to  war  against  a  people  born  in  our  own 
land.  They  shall  never  force  us  into  danger.  You 
shall  never  see  that  our  chiefs  are  boys  in  councL, 
who  will  be  forced  to  do  any  thing.  I  talk  thus, 
knowing  that  father  Washington  advised  us  never 
to  interfere  in  wars.  He  told  us  that  those  in 
peace  were  the  happiest  i>eople.  He  told  us  that, 
if  an  enemy  attacked  him,  he  had  warriors  enough, 
and  did  not  wish  his  red  children  to  help  him..  If 
the  British  advise  us  to  any  thing,  I  will  tell  you — 
not  hide  it  from  you.  If  they  say  we  must  fight,  I 
will  tell  them.  No  !" 

The  war  party  being  not  entirely  subdued,  was 
but  a  pretext  to  avoid  the  demands  wliich  were 
made ;  presuming  that,  if  the  council  could  break 
up,  without  any  thing  be.ng  definitely  done,  they 
might,  in  part,  or  perhaps  altogether,  avoid  what 
,  was  now  required  of  them ;  but  the  inflexibility  of 
the  person  with  whom  they  were  treating  evinced 
to  them,  that,  however  just  and  well  founded  might 
be  their  objections,  the  policy  under  which  he  acted 
was  too  clearly  defined,  for  any  abandonment  of  his 
demands  to  be  at  all  calculated  upon.  Shelocta, 
one  of  their  chiefs,  who  had  united  with  our  troops 


]o2  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSO^T. 

at  the  commencement  of  tlie  war;  who  had  march 
ed  and  fought  with  them  in  all  their  battles  ;  and 
had  attached  to  himself  strongly  the  confidence  of 
the  commanding  general,  now  addressed  him.  He 
told  him  of  the  regard  he  had  ever  felt  for  his 
white  brothers,  and  with  what  zeal  he  had  exerted 
himself  to  preserve  peace,  and  keep  in  friendship 
with  them  ;  when  his  efforts  had  failed,  he  haa 
taken  up  arms  against  his  own  country,  and  fought 
against  his  own  people  ;  that  he  was  not  opposed  to 
yielding  the  lands  lying  on  the  Alabama,  which 
would  answer  the  purpose  of  cutting  off  any  inter- 
course with  the  Spaniards ;  but  the  country  west 
of  the  Coosa  he  wished  to  be  preserved  to  the  na- 
tion,* To  effect  this,  he  appealed  to  the  feelings 
of  Jackson  ;  told  him  of  the  dangers  they  had  pass- 
ed together  :  and  of  his  faithfulness  to  him  in  the 
trying  scenes  through  which  they  had  gone. 

There  were,  indeed,  none  whose  voice  ought 
sooner  to  have  been  heard  than  Shclocta's.  None 
liad  rendered  greater  services,  and  none  had  been 
more  faithful.  He  had  claims,  growing  out  of  his 
fidelity,  that  few  others  had :  but  his  wishes  were 
so  much  at  variance  with  what  Jackson  considered 
the  interest  of  his  country  required,  that  he  was 
answered  without  hesitation.  "  You  know,"  said 
he,  "  that  the  portion  of  country,  which  you  desire 
to  retain,  is  that  through  which  the  intruders  and 
mischief-makers  from  the  lakes  reached  you,  and 
urged  your  nation  to  those  acts  of  violence,  that 
have  involved  your  people  in  wretchedness,  and 
your  country  in  ruin.  Through  it  leads  the  path 
Tecumseh  trod,  when  he  came  to  visit  you  :  that 

*  Tliis  couiilry  v.rst  of  the  Coosa  now  (brms  the  rcspeclable 
Slate  of  Alabama,  admiued  into  liie  Union  in  the  year  li>iy. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  153 

path  must  be  stopped.  Until  this  be  done,  ycir 
nation  cannot  expect  happiness,  nor  mine  security. 
I  have  already  told  you  the  reasons  foi  demanding" 
it:  they  are  such  as  ought  not — cannot  be  departed 
from.  This  evening  must  determine  whether  or 
not  you  are  disposed  to  become  friendly.  By  re- 
jecting the  treaty  you  will  show  that  you  are  the 
enemies  of  the  United  States — enemies  even  to 
yourselves."  He  admitted  it  to  be  true,  that  the 
war  was  not  ended,  yet  that  this  was  an  additional 
reason  why  the  cession  should  be  made  ;  that  then 
a  line  would  be  drawn,  by  which  his  soldiers  would 
be  enabled  to  know  their  friends.  "When  our 
armies,"  continued  he,  "  came  here,  the  hostile 
party  had  even  stripped  you  of  your  country  :  we 
retook  it,  and  now  offer  to  restore  it; — theirs  we 
propose  to  retain.  Those  who  are  disposed  to  give 
effect  to  the  treaty  will  sign  it  They  will  bo 
within  our  territory ;  will  be  protected  and  fed  : 
and  no  enemy  of  theirs,  or  ours,  shall  molest  them. 
Those  who  are  opposed  to  it  shall  have  permission 
to  retire  to  Pensacola.  Here  is  the  paper :  take  it, 
and  show  the  president  who  are  his  friends.  Con- 
sult, and  this  evening  let  me  know  who  will  assent 
to  it,  and  who  will  not.  I  do  not  wish,  nor  will  I 
attempt,  to  force  any  of  you — act  as  you  think 
proper.' 

They  proceeded  to  deliberate  and  re-examine 
tlie  course  they  should  pursue,  which  terminated  in 
their  assent  to  the  treaty,  and  the  extension  of  those 
advantages  that  had  been  insisted  on.* 

*  It  was  agreed  that  the  line  should  begin  where  the  ChercKee 
southern  lioundary  crossed  the  Coosa,  to  run  down  that  river  to 
Woelum-ka,  or  the  Big  Falls,  and  thence  eastwardly  to  Georgia. 
East  and  north  of  this  line,  containing  upwards  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  square  miles,  remanied  to  the  Indians. 


154  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOW. 

In  the  progress  of  this  business  another  dirlicul- 
ty  arosj :  the  council  insisted  that  there  shouhl  be 
inserted  in  the  treaty  a  reservation  of  certain  tracts 
of  land  ;  one  for  Colonel  Hawkins,  in  consideration 
of  his  fidelity  to  tliem  as  an  agent;  and  another  to 
Jackson,  because  of  the  gratitude  felt  towards  him 
for  his  exertions  in  their  favour  against  the  hostile 
Creeks.  To  tliis  the  general  objected.  It  was 
personal  as  it  regarded  himself,  and  he  was  unwil- 
ling to  appear  in  any  point  of  view,  wiiere  suspicion 
could  attach,  tliat  he  had  availed  himself  of  liis 
Dfficial  situation  to  obtain  personal  benefits  ;  fully 
Eware  that,  however  the  facts  might  be,  selfish  con- 
siderations would  be  imputed  as  an  inducement  to 
what  was  done.  He  refused,  therefore,  to  have  it 
inserted ;  and  for  the  further  reason,  that  the  in- 
BtructionsJ  under  which  he  was  acting,  required  it 
to  be  a  capitulation,  not  a  treaty.  Tlie  next  morn- 
Jig,  however,  when  they  met  in  council  to  sign  the 
mstrument,  the  chiefs  delivered  to  the  general  a 
paper,  expressing  a  wish,  and  disclosing  their  rea- 
sons,'that  a  reservation  to  himself.  Colonel  Haw- 
kins, and  Mayfield,  who,  being  made  a  prisoner  in 
his  youth,  had  always  resided  in  the  nation,  miglit 
be  assented  to ;  and  requested  it  to  be  forwarded 
on  and  made  known  to  the  government.  Jackson 
consented  to  do  so,  and  to  recommend  its  adoption  , 
but  tliat  the  reservation  they  had  thought  proper  to 
request,  if  assented  to,  he  would  accept  of  on  no 
other  terms  than  that  tlieir  father  the  president 
should  dispose  of  it,  and  apply  the  proceeds  to  those 
of  the  nation  on  whom  distress  and  poverty  hart 
been  brought  by  the  war.  Mr.  Madison  subse- 
quently brought  this  matter  to  the  consideration  of 
the  senate  of  the   United  States,  and,  in  recom* 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  155 

mending  its  adoption,  highly  complimented  the  del- 
icacy with  which  the  proposition  had  been  met  by 
General  Jackson :  it  was,  however,  never  acted  on 
end  assented  to  by  the  senate. 

Every  attention  had  been  given,  during  tfie  ne- 
gotiation, to  impress  on  the  minds  of  the  savages 
the  necessity  of  remaining  at  peace  and  in  friendship 
with  the  United  States  ;  for,  although  all  apprehen- 
sions of  their  acting  in  concert  as  a  nation  had  sub- 
sided, yet  it  w^as  important  to  leave  their  minds 
favourably  impressed,  lest  the  wandering  fugitives, 
scattered  in  considerable  numbers  towards  the  Es- 
cambia and  Pensacolay  might,  by  continuing  hostile, 
associate  with  them  others  of  their  countrymen,  at- 
tach themselves  to  the  British,  should  they  appear 
in  the  south,  aid  them  by  their  numbers,  and  pilot 
them  through  the  country. 

This  retreat  of  the  savages  in  East  Florida  had 
been  always  looked  upon  as  a  place  whence  the 
United  States  might  apprehend  serious  difficulties. 
There  was  no  doubt  but  that  the  British,  throusfh 
this  channel,  witti  the  aid  of  the  governor,  had  pro- 
tected the  Indians,  and  supplied  them  with  arms 
and  ammunition ;  nor  was  it  less  certain  but  that, 
through  the  art  and  address  practised  on  them,  they 
had  been  excited  to  the  outrages  which  had  been 
heretofore  committed.  It  was  an  idea  entertained 
by  Jackson,  at  the  commencement  of  the  Creek  war, 
that  the  proper  mode  of  procedure  would  be  to 
push  his  army  through  the  nation ;  gain  this  den, 
where  vegetated  so  many  evils ;  and,  by  holding  it, 
effectually  cut  off  their  intercourse,  ond  means  of 
encouraging  the  war :  but  the  unexpected  difficul- 
ties, which  we  have  before  noticed,  had  repressed 
the  execution  of  his  well-digested  plans,  and  left 


156  LIFE    OF    (GENERAL   JACKSON. 

him  to  pursue  his  course  as  circumstances,  and  the 
obstacles  met  with,  would  permit.  The  assistance 
which,  during  the  war,  had  been  continually  afford- 
ed these  people  from  Pensacola,  induced  him  once 
more  to  turn  his  attention  there  ;  and  he  now 
strongly  urged  on  government  the  propriety  of 
breaking  down  this  strong  hold,  whence  so  many 
evils  had  flowed,  and  whence  greater  ones  were  to 
be  expected.  His  mind,  actively  engaged,  while 
employed  in  settling  all  differences  at  Fort  Jackson, 
had  sought,  through  every  channel  that  could  afford 
it,  information  as  to  the  designs  of  the  British 
against  the  southern  parts  of  the  Union.  The  idea, 
nad  been  prevalent,  and  generally  indulged,  that, 
as  soon  as  the  severity  of  approaching  winter  should 
put  a  stop  to  active  operations  on  the  Canada  fron- 
tier, with  all  their  disposable  force,  they  would  turn 
their  attention  against  the  southern  states,  and  there 
attempt  to  gain  some  decisive  advantage.  New 
Orleans,  with  one  consent,  was  fixed  upon  as  tlie 
point  that  most  probably  would  be  assailed.  The 
circumstance  of  there  being  so  many  persons  there, 
who  have  never  been  supposed  to  entertain  any 
well-founded  regard  for  the  country  in  which  they 
iived,  together  with  a  large  black  population,  which, 
tt  was  feared,  might  be  excited  to  insurrection  and 
massacre,  through  the  persuasions  of  an  enemy  who 
seemed  to  disregard  all  the  laws  of  humanity, 
were  reasons  which  strongly  led  to  this  conclusion. 
General  Jackson,  having  understood  that  that 
comfort  and  aid,  which  heretofore  had  been  so  lib- 
erally extended,  was  still  afforded  by  the  Spanish 
go\ernor  to  the  hostile  Indians,  who  had  fled  from 
the  ravages  of  the  Creek  war,  cherished  the  belief 
that  his  conduct  was  such  as  deservedly  to  exclude 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  157 

him  from  that  protection  to  which,  under  other  cir- 
cumstances, he  would  be  entitled,  from  the  profess- 
ed neutrality  of  Spain.  At  all  events,  if  the  im- 
proper acts  of  the  Spanish  agents  wouia  not  author- 
ize the  American  government  openly  to  redress 
herself  for  the  unprovoked  injuries  she  had  received, 
they  were  such,  he  believed,  as  would  justify  any 
course  which  had  for  its  object  to  arrest  their  con- 
tinuance, and  give  safety  to  the  country.  In  this  point 
of  view  he  had  already  considered  it,  when,  on  his 
way  to  the  treaty  at  Fort  Jackson,  ho  received  certain 
information,  that  about  three  hundred  English  troops 
had  landed ;  w^ere  fortifying  themselves  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Apalachicola  ;  and  were  endeavouring 
to  excite  the  Indians  to  war.  No  time  was  lost  in 
giving  the  government  notice  of  what  was  passing, 
and  of  the  course  most  advisable  to  be  pursued. 
The  advantages  to  be  secured  from  the  possession 
of  Pnnsacola  he  had  frequently  urged. 

On  the  17th  of  January,  1815,  after  the  British 
army  had  been  repulsed  at  New  Orleans,  and  the  de- 
scent on  Florida  almost  forgotten,  through  the  post 
office  department,  dated  at  Washington  city,  the  18th 
of  July,  1814,  he  received  the  following  letter  from 
General  Armstrong,  then  secretary  at  war : 

"  The  case  you  put  is  a  very  strong  one  :  and,  if 
all  the  circumstances  stated  by  you  unite,  the  con- 
clusion is  irresistible.  It  becomes  our  duty  to  carry 
our  arms  where  we  find  our  enemies.  It  is  believed, 
and  I  am  so  directed  by  the  president  to  say,  that 
there  is  a  disposition,  on  the  part  of  the  Spanish  gov- 
ernment, not  to  break  with  the  United  States,  nor  to 
encourage  any  conduct,  on  the  part  of  her  sir^o^di- 
nate  agents,  having  a  tendency  to  such  rupture.  VVe 
must,  therefore,  in  this  ^ase.  be  careful  to  ascertain 
14 


158  LIFE    OF    CExXERAL     JACKSON. 

facts,  and  even  to  distinguish  what,  on  the  part  of  the 
Spanish  authorities.^  may  be  the  effect  of  menace 
and  compulsion,  or  of  their  choice  and  policy.  The 
result  of  this  inquiry  must  govern.  If  they  ad- 
mit, feed,  arm,  and  co-operate  with  the  British  and 
hostile  Indians,  w^e  must  strike  on  the  broad  princi 
pie  of  self-preservation  : — under  other  and  different 
circumstances,  we  must  forbear.'' 

That  the  state  of  things,  here  suggested  by  the 
secretary,  did  actually  exist ;  that  the  British  were 
favourably  received,  and  every  assistance  necessary 
to  a  continuance  of  hostilities  extended  to  the  Indi- 
ans, the  government  had  been  already  apprized,  by 
the  frequent  communications  made  to  them  on  the 
subject. 

On  arriving  at  Fort  Jackson,  his  first  attention 
had  been  directed  to  a  subject  which  he  believed  to 
be  of  greater  importance  than  making  Indian  trea- 
ties— to  establish  a  plan  by  which  to  be  constantly 
advised,  during  his  stay,  of  those  schemes  that  were 
in  agitation  in  the  south:  believing  that  every 
passing  event  might  be  readily  obtained  through 
the  Indians,  \vho  could  go  am.ong  the  British  with- 
out in  the  least  exciting  suspicion,  he  had  required 
Colonel  Hawkins  to  procure  some,  who  were  confi- 
dential, and  might  be  certainly  relied  on,  to  proceed 
to  the  Apalachicola,  and  towards  the  coast,  and  to 
return  as  early  as  they  could  obtain  correct  infor- 
mation of  the  strength,  views,  and  situation  of  the 
enemy.  In  about  fifteen  days  they  cam.e  back,  con 
firming  the  statement  previously  received,  that  a 
considerable  English  force  had  arrived,  and  was 
tlien  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Rose  ;  that  muskets  and  am- 
munition had  been  given  to  the  Indians,  and  runners 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  159 

despatched  to  tlie  different  tribes  to  invite  thcni  to 
tlie  coast. 

Satisfied  that  such  permissions,  by  a  neutral 
power,  were  too  grievous  to  be  borne,  he  immedi- 
ately addressed  a  letter  to  the  governor  of  Pensa- 
cola,  apprizing  him  of  the  information  received ; 
?»nd  inquiring  why  and  wherefore  it  happened  that 
every  protection  and  assistance  was  furnished  the 
enemies  of  the  United  States,  within  his  territory ; 
requesting  hhn  to  state  w^hether  or  not  the  facts 
were  as  they  had  been  represented  ;  and  demanding 
to  have  surrendered  to  him  such  of  the  chiefs  of 
the  liostile  Indians  as  were  with  him.  "  I  rely," 
continued  he,  "  on  the  existing  friendship  of  Spain 
her  treaties,  and  that  neutrality  which  she  should 
observe,  as  authority  for  the  demand  I  make."  The 
governor's  answer,  w^hich  shortly  aflerwards  was 
received,  evinced  nothing  of  a  conciliatory  temner, 
and  left  no  hope  of  procuring  any  other  redress 
than  that  which  might  be  obtained  through  some 
different  channel.  It  was  a  subject,  however, 
whicli  required  to  be  managed  with  considerable 
caution.  Spain  and  the  United  States  were  at 
peace.  To  reduce  any  portion  of  her  territory,  and' 
take  possession  of  it,  in  exclusion  of  her  authority, 
might  be  construed  such  an  aggression  as  to  induce 
her  into  tlie  war.  On  the  other  hand,  for  her,  with 
open  arms,  to  receive  our  enemies,  and  permit  them 
to  make  every  preparation,  within  her  ports,  for  in- 
vading our  country,  were  outrages  too  monstrous 
to  be  borne,  and,  in  the  opinion  of  Jackson,  required 
to  be  remedied,  let  the  consequences  in  prospective 
be  what  they  might.  Although  these  things  had 
been  earnestly  pressed  upon  the  consideration  of 
the  war  department,  no  answer  to  his  repeated  so- 


160  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON^. 

licitations  on  the  subject  had  been  received.  Oh 
his  own  responsibility,  to  advance  to  the  execution 
of  a  measure,  which  involved  so  much,  when  his 
government  was,  and  had  for  some  time  been,  in 
possession  of  all  the  circumstances,  was  risking  too 
much.  Yet,  were  it  delayed  longer,  every  day 
might  give  to  Pensacola  additional  strength,  and 
mcrease  the  danger  attendant  on  its  reduction 
Undetermined,  under  considerations  like  these,  he 
resolved  upon  another  expedient — to  despatch  a 
messenger,  to  lay  open  to  the  governor  the  ground 
of  his  complaint — obtain  from  him  a  declaration  of 
his  intention,  as  regarded  the  course  he  meant  to 
adopt,  and  pursue — and  ascertain  whether  he  de- 
signed to  make  subsisting  treaties,  between  the  two 
nations,  the  basis  of  his  conduct,  or  to  pursue  a  con- 
cealed course,  which,  under  the  garb  of  pretended 
friendship,  cloaked  all  the  realities  of  war.  The 
propriety  of  delivering  up  the  hostile  Indians,  who 
were  with  him,  to  atone  for  the  violation  of  existinsr 
treaties,  and  the  rights  of  humanity,  and  the  mur- 
ders they  had  committed,  was  again  solicited. 

A  reply  was  not  concluded  on  by  the  governor 
for  some  time,  owing  to  a  very  considerable  doubt 
that  harassed  his  mind,  whether  it  would  not  be 
more  proper  to  return  it  without  an  answer,  "  in  im- 
■tation  of  the  conduct  of  General  Flournoy,  who, 
acting  in  conformity  to  the  orders  of  Mr.  Madison, 
heretofore  had  omitted  to  answer  a  despatch  of  his." 
But,  having  considered  the  matter  quite  deliberate- 
ly, he  at  length  came  to  the  conclusion,  to  wave  the 
example  set  him  by  the  president,  and,  in  replying 
to  act  in  obedience  to  those  "  high  and  generous 
feelmgs  peculiar  to  the  Spanish  character." 

To  the  demand  made  upon  him,  that  the  hostile 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  161 

Indians  should  be  delivered  up,  he  denied  that  they 
were  with  him,  "  at  that  time,"  or  that  he  could,  on 
the  ground  of  hospitality,  refuse  them  assistance 
at  a  moment  when  their  distresses  were  so  great : 
nor  could  he  surrender  them,  without  acting  in  open 
violation  of  the  laws  of  nations, — laws,  to  which  his 
sovereign  had  ever  strictly  adhered,  and  of  which 
he  had  already  afforded  the  United  States  abundant 
evidence,  in  omitting  to  demand  of  them  "  the  trai- 
tors, insurgents,  incendiaries,  and  assassins  of  his 
ciiiefs,  namely,  Guitcrres,  Toledo,  and  many  others, 
whom  the  American  government  protected  and 
maintained  in  committing  hostilities,  in  fomenting 
the  revolution,  and  in  lighting  up  the  flames  of  dis- 
cord in  the  internal  provinces  of  the  kingdom  of 
Mexico." 

To  the  inquiry,  why  the  English  had  been  suffered 
to  land  in  his  province  arms  and  ammunition,  with  a 
view  to  encouraging  the  Indians  in  their  acts  of  hos- 
tility, he  proceeded  with  his  same  "  national  charac- 
teristic," and  demanded  to  be  informed  if  the  United 
States  were  ignorant,  that,  at  the  conquest  of  Flor- 
ida, there  was  a  treaty  between  Great  Britain  and 
the  Creek  Indians,  and  whether  they  did  not  know, 
that  it  still  existed  between  Spain  and  those  tribes. 
"But,"  continued  he,  "turn  your  eyes  to  the  island 
of  Barrataria,  and  you  will  there  perceive  that, 
within  the  very  territory  of  the  United  States,  pi- 
rates are  sheltered,  with  the  manifest  design  of 
committing  hostilities  by  sea  upon  the  merchant 
vessels  of  Spain ;  and  with  such  scandalous  notori 
ety,  that  the  cargoes  of  our  vessels,  taken  by  them 
have  been  publicly  sold  in  Louisiana." 

It  is  difficult  to  discover  how,  or  by  what  system 
of  logic,  it  was,  that  Governor  Manrequez  was  ena 
14* 


162  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON 

bled  to  trace  any  kind  of  analogy  between  the 
United  States  affording  to  a  few  of  tne  patriots  of 
South  America  an  asylam  from  the  persecutions 
that  were  threatened  to  be  imposed  on  them  by 
Spanish  tyranny,  and  his  permitting,  within  the  lim- 
its of  Florida,  comfort,  aid,  and  assistance  to  be 
given  the  savages,  that  they  might  be  enabled  to 
indulge  in  cruelty  towards  us.  Nor  can  it  be  per- 
ceived how  it  was,  that  the  piracies  of  Lalite  and 
his  party,  at  Barrataria,  and  the  successful  smug- 
gling which  brought  their  plundered  wealth  into 
port,  in  open  defiance  of  our  laws,  could  operate  as 
a  sufficient  pretext  for  giving  protection  to  an  ene- 
my entering  the  territory  of  Spain,  and  continuing 
there,  with  the  avowed  intention  of  waging  war 
against  a  power,  with  which  she  not  only  professed 
to  be  in  friendship,  but  was  bound  by  treaty  to  be 
so,  and  at  the  very  time,  too,  when  she  claimed  to 
be  neutral.  Nor  can  we  see  the  force  of  the  argu- 
ment, because  England  had  a  treaty  with  the  Creek 
Indians,  which  afterwards  devolved  on  Spain,  that 
the  agents  of  his  Catholic  majesty  were,  in  conse- 
quence, justified  in  protecting  the  savages  in  their 
murders,  or  assisting  covertly,  as  they  did,  in  the 
war  against  us  :  how  the  conclusions  wore  arrived 
at,  the  governor  can  decide  at  some  moment,  when, 
relieved  from  those  high  and  honourable  feelings 
"  peculiar  to  the  Spanish  character,"  Reason  mcy 
re-assert  her  empire  over  him,  and  point  out  the 
manner  in  which  he  was  enabled  to  produce  his 
strange  results. 

The  governor,  however,  had  evinced  rather  too 
high  a  state  of  feeling,  and  taken  his  ground  with- 
out suffering  his  reflections  to  go  to  their  full  ex- 
lent.     He  had  placed  arms  in  the  hands  of  the  sav 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  163 

nges  "  for  the  purposes  of  self-defence ;"  many  of 
ihem  were  hastening  to  him  ;  more  were  yet  ex- 
pected. The  British  had  already  landed  a  partial 
force,  and  a  greater  one  was  shortly  looked  for. 
Against  this  expected  strength,  added  to  what  his 
own  resources  could  supply,  he  believed  an  Ameri- 
can general  would  not  venture  to  advance.  These 
considerations  had  led  him  to  assume  a  lofly  tone ; 
to  arraign  the  conduct  of  the  United  States,  in  ex- 
tinguishing the  Indian  title  on  the  Alabama ;  to  ac- 
cuse them  of  violating  their  treaties,  and  to  point 
out  the  danger  to  which  the  restoration  of  peace  in 
Europe  might  expose  them.  As  yet  he  was  ignorant 
of  the  energy  of  the  man  already  near  his  borders, 
and  who,  to  march  against  and  break  down  his  fan- 
cied security,  did  not  desire  to  be  ordered,  but  only 
to  be  apprized  by  his  country  that  ii  might  be  done. 
Jackson,  in  no  wise  pleased  with  the  boldness  of  his 
remarks,  proceeded  again  to  address  him,  and  exhib- 
ited fully  the  grounds  of  complaint  in  behalf  of  hig 
country,  and  in  a  style  at  least  as  courtly  as  his  own. 
"Were  I  clothed,"  he  remarks, "  with  diplomatic 
powers,  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the  topics  em- 
braced in  the  wide  range  of  injuries,  of  which  you 
complain,  and  which  have  long  since  been  adjusted, 
I  could  easily  demonstrate  that  the  United  States 
have  been  always  faithful  to  their  treaties,  steadfast 
in  their  friendships,  nor  have  ever  claimed  any  thing 
that  was  not  warranted  by  justice.  They  have  en 
dured  many  insults  from  the  governors  and  other 
Ofncers  of  Spain,  which,  if  sanctioned  by  their  sove- 
reign, would  have  amounted  to  acts  of  hostility, 
without  any  previous  declaration  on  the  subject. 
They  have  excited  the  savages  to  war,  and  afford 
ed  them  the  means  of  waging  it :  the  property  of 


164  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

our  citizens  has  been  captured  at  sea,  and,  if  com 
pensation  has  not  been  refused,  it  has  at  least  been 
withheld.  But,  as  no  such  powers  have  been  dele- 
gated to  me,  I  shall  not  assume  them,  but  leave 
thorn  to  the  representatives  of  our  respective  gov- 
ernments. 

"  I  have  the  honour  of  being  intrusted  with  the 
command  of  this  district.  Charged  with  its  protec- 
tion, and  the  safety  of  its  citizens,  I  feel  my  ability 
to  discharge  the  task,  and  trust  your  excellency 
will  always  find  me  ready  and  willing  to  go  for- 
ward, in  the  performance  of  that  duty,  whenever 
circumstances  shall  render  it  necessary.  I  agree 
with  you,  perfectly,  that  candour  and  polite  lan- 
guage should,  at  all  times,  characterize  the  commu- 
nications between  the  officers  of  friendly  sovereign- 
ties ;  and  I  assert,  without  the  fear  of  contradiction, 
that  my  former  letters  were  couched  in  terms  the 
most  respectful  and  unexceptionable.  I  only  re- 
quested, and  did  not  demand,  as  you  have  assert- 
ed, that  the  ringleaders  of  the  Creek  confederacy 
night  be  delivered  to  me,  who  had  taken  refuge  in 
your  town,  and  who  had  violated  all  laws,  moral 
civil  and  divine.  This  I  had  a  right  to  do,  from  the 
treaty  which  I  sent  you,  and  which  I  now  again  en- 
close, with  a  request  that  you  will  change  your 
translation ;  believing,  as  I  do,  that  your  former 
one  was  wrong,  and  has  deceived  you.  What 
kind  of  an  answer  you  returned,  a  reference 
to  your  letter  will  explain.  The  whole  of  it  breath- 
ed nothing  but  hostility,  grounded  upon  assumed 
facts,  and  false  charges,  and  entirely  evading  the 
inquiries  that  had  been  made. 

"  I  can  but  express  my  astonishment  at  your  pro 
test   against  the   cession  on   the   Alabama,    lying 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  165 

within  the  acknowledged  limits  and  jurisdiction  of 
the  United  States,  and  which  has  been  ratified,  in 
due  form,  by  the  prmcipal  chiefs  and  warriors  of 
the  nation.  But  my  astonishment  subsides,  when, 
on  comparison,  I  tind  it  upon  a  par  with  the  rest  of 
your  letter  and  conduct ;  taken  together,  they  af- 
ford a  sufficient  justification  for  any  course  on  my 
part,  or  consequences  that  may  ensue  to  yourself. 
My  government  will  protect  every  inch  of  her  te^-ri- 
tory,  her  citizens,  and  their  property,  from  insult 
and  depredation,  regardless  of  the  political  revolu- 
tions of  Europe  ;  and,  although  she  has  been  at  all 
times  sedulous  to  preserve  a  good  understanding 
with  all  the  world,  yet  she  has  sacred  rights,  that 
cannot  he  trampled  upon  with  impunity.  Spain 
had  better  look  to  her  own  intestine  commotions, 
before  she  walks  forth  in  that  majesty  of  strength 
and  power,  which  you  threaten  to  draw  down  upon 
the  United  States. 

"  Your  excellency  has  been  candid  enough  to  ad- 
mit your  having  supplied  the  Indians  with  arms. 
In  addition  to  this,  I  have  learned  that  a  British 
flag  has  been  seen  flying  on  one  of  your  forts.  All 
this  is  done  whilst  you  are  pretending  to  be  neu- 
tral. You  cannot  be  surprised,  then,  but  on  the 
contrary  will  provide  a  fort  in  your  town  for  my 
soldiers  and  l/idians,  should  I  take  it  in  my  head  to 
pay  you  a  visit. 

"  In  future  I  beg  you  to  withhold  your  insulting 
charges  against  my  government  for  one  more  in- 
clined to  listen  to  slander  than  I  am ;  nor  consider 
me  any  more  as  a  diplomatic  character,  unless  sc 
proclaimed  to  you  from  the  mouths  of  my  cannon." 

Captain  Gordon,  who  had  been  despatched  to 
Pensacola,  had  been  enabled,  during  the  time  ho 


166  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON. 

remained  there,  to  obtain  much  more  satisfactory 
information  than  it  had  pleased  the  governor  to 
communicate.  Appearances  completely  developed 
the  scliemes  which  were  in  ag-itation,  and  convinc- 
ed him  that  active  operations  were  intended  to  be 
coAmenced  somewhere  m  the  lower  country.  On 
uis  return,  he  reported  to  the  general,  that  he  had 
seen  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred 
officers  and  soldiers,  a  park  of  artillery,  and  about 
five  hun.dred  Indians,  under  the  drill  of  British  offi- 
cers, armed  with  new  muskets,  and  dressed  in  the 
English  uniform. 

Jackson  directly  brought  to  the  view  of  the  gov- 
ernment the  information  he  had  received,  and  again 
urged  his  favourite  scheme,  the  reduction  of  Pen- 
sacola.  "  How  long,"  he  observed,  "  will  the  Unit- 
ed States  pocket  the  reproach  and  open  insults  of 
Spain?  It  is  alone  by  a  manly  and  dignified  course, 
that  we  can  secure  respect  from  other  nations,  and 
peace  to  our  own.  Temporizing  policy  is  not  only 
a  disgrace,  but  a  curse  to  any  nation.  It  is  a  fact 
that  a  British  captain  of  marines  is,  and  has  for 
some  time  past  been,  engaged  in  drilling  and  or- 
ganizing the  fugitive  Creeks,  under  the  eye  of  tho 
governor  ;  endeavouring,  by  his  influence  and  pres- 
ents, to  draw  to  his  standard  as  well  the  peaceable 
as  the  hostile  Indians.  If  permission  had  been 
given  me  to  march  against  this  place  twenty  days 
ago.  I  would,  ere  this,  have  planted  there  the  ./Amer- 
ican Eagle  ;  now,  we  must  trust  alone  to  our  val- 
our, and  to  the  justice  of  oar  cause.  But  my  pres- 
ent resources  are  so  limited — a  sickly  climate,  aa 
vvell  as  an  enemy,  to  contend  with,  and  without  the 
means  of  transportation  to  change  the  position  of 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  167 

my  army,  that,  resting  on  the  bravery  of  my  littlo 
phalanx,  I  can  only  hope  for  success." 

Many  difficulties  were  presented  ;  and,  although 
anxious  to  carry  into  execution  a  purpose  which 
seemed  so  strongly  warranted  by  necessity,  he  saw- 
that  he  was  wholly  without  the  power  of  moving, 
even  should  he  be  directed  to  do  so.  Acting  in  a 
remote  corner  of  the  Union,  which  was  thinly  inhab- 
ited, the  credit  of  his  government  was  inadequate 
to  procure  those  things  essential  to  his  operations  , 
while  the  poverty  of  his  quarter-master's  depart- 
ment presented  but  a  dreary  prospect  for  reliance. 
But,  to  have  all  things  in  a  state  of  readiness  for  ac- 
tion, when  the  time  should  arrive  to  authorize  it,  he 
was  directing  his  attention  in  the  way  most  likely 
to  effect  it.  The  warriors  of  the  different  tribes  of 
Indians  were  ordered  to  be  marshalled,  and  taken 
into  the  pay  of  the  government.  He  addressed 
himself  to  the  governors  of  Tennessee,  liOuisiana, 
and  the  Mississippi  territory,  and  pressed  them  to 
be  vigilant  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  Infor- 
mation, he  said,  had  reached  him,  which  rendered 
It  necessary  that  all  the  forces  allotted  for  the  de 
fence  of  the  seventh  military  district,  should  be 
held  in  a  state  of  perfect  readiness,  to  niarch  at  any 
notice,  and  to  any  point  they  might  be  required 
"Dark  and  heavy  clouds  hover  around  us.  The 
energy  and  patriotism  of  the  citizens  of  your  states 
must  dispel  them.  Oar  rights,  our  liberties,  and 
free  constitution,  are  threatened.  This  noble  pat- 
rimony of  our  fathers  must  be  defended  with  the 
best  blood  of  our  country  :  to  do  this,  you  must 
hasten  to  carry  into  effect  the  requisition  of  the 
secretary  of  war,  and  call  forth  your  troops  without 
dela};» 


168  LIFE    OF    GEXERAL    JACKSON. 

On  the  day  after  completing  his  business  at  Fort 
Jackson,  lie  had  departed  for  IMobile,  to  place  the 
country  in  a  proper  state  of  defence.  The  third 
regiment,  a  part  of  the  forty-fourth  and  thirty-nintli, 
constituted,  entirely,  the  regular  forces  he  could  at 
this  time  command.  Many  reasons  concurred  to 
render  it  necessary  that  a  sufficient  force  should  be 
brought  into  the  field  as  early  as  possible.  His  ap- 
peals to  the  people  of  Tennessee  had  been  generally 
crowned  with  success  ;  and  he  had  no  doubt  but 
that  he  might  yet  obtain  from  them  such  assistance  as 
would  enable  him,  should  any  unexpected  emergen- 
cy arise,  to  act  at  least  defensively,  until  the  states 
I'lready  applied  to  should  have  their  quotas  ready  for 
the  field.  On  the  citizens  of  Louisiana  and  Missis- 
sippi he  believed  he  might  securely  rely,  and  that 
their  ardour  would  readily  excite  them  to  contend 
with  an  enemy  at  their  very  doors.  Well  knowing 
the  delay  incident  to  bringing  militia  requisitions 
expeditiously  forth,  and  fearing  that  some  circum- 
stance might  arise  to  jeopardize  the  safety  of  the 
country,  before  the  constituted  authorities  could  act, 
he  had  already  despatched  his  adjutant-general, 
Colonel  Butler,  to  Tennessee,  with  orders  to  raise 
volunteers,  and  have  them  in  readiness  to  advance 
to  his  relief,  whenever  it  should  be  required. 

Every  day's  intelligence  tended  to  confirm  the 
belief  that  a  descent  would  be  made, — most  proba- 
bly on  New  Orleans.  Anonymous  letters,  secretly 
forwarded  from  Pensacola,  and  which  found  their 
way  into  the  American  camp,  suggested  tliis  as  the 
point  of  assault ;  and  many  of  the  settlers  were  ap- 
prized by  their  friends  of  the  fears  entertained  for 
their  safety,  and  entreated  to  retire  from  the  gath- 
ering storm,  which,  it  was  feared,  would  soon  burst. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  169 

and  entirely  involve  the  lower  country  in  ruin. 
Where  certainly  to  expect  attack,  was  as  yet  un- 
known. The  part  of  the  country  bordering  on  Mo- 
bile might  be  assailed  ;  yet,  taking  into  considera- 
tion that  no  very  decided  advantages  could  be  ob- 
tained there,  it  was  an  event  not  much  to  be  appre- 
hended. The  necessity,  however,  of  being  prepar- 
ed at  all  points,  co  far  as  the  means  of  defence 
could  be  procured,  was  at  once  obvious  ;  for,  as  the 
general,  in  one  of  his  letters,  remarked,  "  there 
was  no  telling  where  or  when  the  spoiler  might 
come." 

There  were  now  too  many  reasons  to  expect  an 
early  visit,  and  too  many  causes  to  apprehend  dan- 
ger, not  to  desire  that  an  efficient  force  might  be 
within  convenient  distance.  Colonel  Butler  was 
accordingly  written  to,  and  ordered  to  hasten  for- 
ward, with  the  volunteers  he  could  procure,  and  to 
join  him  without  delay.  The  order  reached  him 
at  Nashville,  on  the  9th  of  September,  and  he  forth- 
with engaged  actively  in  its  execution.  He  directly 
applied  to  General  Coffee,  to  advance  with  the 
mounted  troops  he  could  collect.  A  general  order 
was  at  the  same  time  issued,  bringing  to  view  the 
dangers  that  threatened,  and  soliciting  those  who 
were  disposed  to  aid  in  protecting  their  country 
from  invasion,  to  unite  with  him  at  Fayetteville,  by 
the  2Sth  instant.  The  appeal  \vas  not  ineffectual ; 
although  the  scene  of  operation  was  at  least  four 
hundred  miles  from  the  point  of  rendezvous,  the 
call  was  promptly  obeyed  ;  and  two  thousand  able- 
bodied  men,  well  supplied  with  rifles  and  muskets, 
appeared  at  the  appointed  time  to  march  with  the 
brave  General  Coffee,  who  had  so  often  led  his 
troops  to  victory  and  honour.  Colonel  Butler,  with 
15 


170         .        LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

his  usual  industry,  hastened  to  press  forwara  the 
militia,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Lowery 
which  had  been  lieretofore  required  for  garrisoning 
the  posts  in  the  Indian  country  ;  whilst  Captains 
Baker  and  Butler,  with  the  regular  forces  lately  en- 
listed, advanced  from  Nashville  to  Mobile,  where 
they  arrived  in  fourteen  days.  By  proper  exertions 
every  thing  was  presently  in  complete  readiness  : 
and  the  troops  collected  for  the  campaign,  in  higli 
spirits,  set  out  for  the  point  to  which  danger,  duty, 
and  their  countnr  called  item. 


WFE  OP  GENERAL  JACKSON.        171 


CHAPTER  VTL 

CoJrvd  NkliD.'s  arrv^s  at  Peixsacola,  and  issues  a  proclumatim  la 
tire  soidlm-Ti  iihabiiants. — Attack  on  Fort  Bowyer,  aiid  loss  of 
the  Hcmies. — Jackson  determines  to  reduce  Pensacola. — Demands 
of  the goveifior  an  explanation  of  his  conduct ;  his  aJisuir  — 
Enters  and  takes  y)ssessio7i  of  Pensacola. — Conduct  and  perjidy 
of  the  governor.  Destruction,  by  the  Brilish,  of  Bar  rancor. 
Port. — Our  trooj->s  return  to  Mobile. — Expeditian  against  the 
Indians. — General  Winchester  arnves,  and  Jackson  proceeds  to 
take  command  cf  New  Orleans. 

Whether  a  force  were  thus  concentrating  to  acl 
defensively  against  an  invading  enemy,  or  were  in- 
t(:nded  to  reduce  the  rallying  point  of  the  Indians 
and  British  in  the  Spanish  territory,  whence  they 
had  it  in  their  power  to  make  sudden  inroads  on 
any  part  of  our  coast,  as  yet  all  was  conjecture. 
It  was  a  trait  in  Jackson's  character  to  lock  closely 
in  his  bosom  all  his  determinations  :  it  was  only  to 
a  few,  on  whom  he  reposed  with  unlimited  confi- 
dence, that  the  least  intimation  was  at  any  time  giv- 
en of  his  intentions.  The  idea  could  scarcely  bo 
entertained,  that,  at  this  time,  any  hostility  was 
meditated  against  Pensacola. 

It  was  impossible  he  should  remain  long  in  doubt, 
as  to  the  course  best  calculated  to  assure  defence, 
or  to  the  ulterior  objects  of  the  enemy.  Colonel 
Nicholls,  with  a  small  squadron  of  his  Britannic 
majesty's  ships,  had  arrived  the  latter  part  of  Au- 
gust, and  taken  up  his  head-quarters  with  Governor 
Rlanrequez.  He  was  an  Irishman,  sent  in  advance 
By  his  royal  master  to  sow  dissensions  among  our 
people,  and  to  draw  around  his  standard  tlie  male- 


172  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

contents  and  traitors  of  the  country.  His  proclama 
tion,  issued  to  the  western  and  southern  inhabitants, 
full  of  well-turned  periods,  false  statements  and 
high-sounding  promises,  it  was  hoped,  would  lead 
them  to  a  belief,  that  the  government  under  which 
they  lived  was  forging  for  them  chains  ;  that  it  had 
declared  war  against  a  power,  the  freest,  the  hap- 
piest, the  most  moral  and  religious  on  earth.  He 
Slated,  that  he  was  at  the  heod  of  a  force  amply  suf- 
ficient to  reinstate  them  in  those  liberties  and  en- 
joyments, of  which  they  had  been  bereaved,  by  the 
designs  of  "  a  contemptible  few."  That  such  as 
were  disposed  to  imbrue  their  liands  in  the  blood 
of  their  countrymen,  might  not  quietly  rest,  doubt- 
mg  of  the  assurances  proffered  them,  he  concluded 
by  tendering,  as  security  for  all  he  had  said  and 
promised,  "the  sacred  honour  of  a  British  officer." 
Perhaps  he  could  have  vouchsafed  nothing  that  the 
American  people  would  not  have  sooner  relied  on  : 
it  was  a  pledge,  in  which  past  experience  told  them 
they  could  not  in  safety  confide.  To  them  it  wag 
a  matter  of  surprise,  that  a  country,  from  which 
they  had  learned  all  they  had  ever  known  or  felt  of 
oppression,  should  come  to  make  them  freer  than 
they  were  ;  or  that,  groaning  themselves  under  a 
load  of  taxes,  from  which  there  was  scarcely  a  hope 
of  being  ever  relieved,  they  should  come,  with  such 
apparent  compassion,  and  great  benevolence,  to 
take  away  the  burdens  of  those  whom  they  despis- 
ed, and  on  whom,  for  forty  years,  they  had  heaped 
nothing  but  reproach. 

He  had  waited  about  two  weeks,  that  his  proc 
lamation  might  take  effectual  hold,  anJ  prepare  the 
inhabitants  to  open  their  bosoms  to  receive  him, 
when  tliis  delivermg  hero  aided  by  his  Indian  and 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  173 

Spanish  allies,  set  out  to  ascertain  the  effect  it  liad 
wrought.  His  first  visit  was  to  Fort  Bowyer,  sit- 
uated on  the  extreme  end  of  a  narrow  neck  of  land, 
about  eighteen  miles  below  the  head  of  Mobile  Bay, 
the  entrance  of  which  it  commanded.  With  the  loss  of 
one  of  his  ships  and  an  eye,  he  had  the  mortification 
to  learn,  that  he  had  been  addressing  an  incorrigi 
ble  race,  who  could  be  neither  duped,  flattered,  noi 
forced  into  submission. 

Fort  Bowyer  had  been  heretofore  abandoned  : 
and,  until  the  arrival  of  General  Jackson  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  country,  was  indeed  ill  calculated  for 
serious  resistance.  On  perceiving  its  importance, 
he  immediately  caused  it  to  be  placed  in  the  best 
possible  state  of  defence.  So  efiectual  was  its  sit- 
uation in  a  military  point  of  view,  commanding  the 
passes  of  those  rivers  which  discharged  themselves 
into  the  bay,  that  it  was  with  him  a  matter  of  sur- 
prise it  had  not  been  more  regarded  by  the  United 
States,  and  even  better  attended  to  by  our  enemies. 

Major  Lawrence  had  the  honour  to  command  this 
spot,  the  gallant  defence  of  which  has  given  it  ce- 
lebrity, and  raised  him  to  an  elevated  stand  in  the 
estimation  of  his  country.  That  at  Pensacola  plans 
of  operation  were  digesting,  which  had  for  their 
object  an  invasion  of  our  coast  somewhere,  was  a  fact 
to  which  Lawrence  was  not  a  stranger.  A  dispo- 
sition to  have  his  little  fortress  in  such  a  state  of 
readiness,  as  would  place  it  in  his  power,  should 
that  be  their  object,  to  make  a  brave  defence,  had 
prompted  him  to  the  most  vigorous  exertions.  His 
whole  strength  was  but  one  hundred  and  thirty 
men.  By  this  Spartan  band  was  evinced  a  confi- 
dence in  each  other,  and  an  unshaken  resolution, 
f which  lofl  their  brave  commander  no  room  to  ap 
15* 


174 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 


prehend  dishonour  to  his  flag,  even  should  defeat 
result. 

The  12th  of  September  determined  all  doubt  ot 
the  object  which  tiie  British  had  in  view.  The  sen 
tinels  brought  intelligence  th^t  a  considerable  force, 
consisting  of  Indians,  marines,  and  Spaniards,  had 
landed  ;  and  the  same  day  two  brigs  and  sloops 
hove  in  sight  of  the  fort,  and  anchored. 

The  next  day  a  demonstration  v/as  made,  by  those 
who  had  been  landed,  to  bring  on  the  attack ;  but 
a  fire  from  the  fort  forced  them  from  their  position, 
and  compelled  them  to  retire  about  two  miles 
whence,  attempting  to  throw  up  fortifications,  they 
were  again  made  to  retreat. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  15th,  the  signals, 
passing  from  the  ships  to  the  shore,  led  Lawrence 
to  believe*  an  assault  was  intended,  and  would  short- 
ly be  made.  At  half  after  four  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, every  thing  being  arranged,  the  Hermes,  in 
the  van,  commanded  by  Sir  W.  H.  Percy,  and  the 
other  vessels  close  in  the  rear,  anchored  within 
musket-shot  fire  of  the  fort.  From  her  near  posi- 
tion, supported  by  the  Carron,  and  brigs  Sophia  and 
Anaconda,  mounting  in  all  ninety  guns,  she  open- 
ed a  broadside.  Colonel  Nicholls  and  Captain 
Woodbine,  at  the  head  of  their  detachment,  com- 
menced a  simultaneous  attack  by  land,  with  a 
twelve  pound  howitzer,  at  point  blank  distance  ;  but 
from  their  sand  bank  fortifications  they  were  so 
quickly  driven  as  to  be  unable  to  produce  the  slight 
est  injury. 

The  action  raged  with  considerable  violence 
From  the  fort  and  ships  v;as  pouring  a  continual  fire. 
The  Hermes,  having,  at  lengtli,  received  a  shot 
through  her  cab]e,was  drivenfrom  her  anchorage,  and 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  175 

Hoated  with  the  stream.  In  this  situation  siie  was 
thrown  into  a  position,  where,  for  twenty  minutes, 
she  received  a  severely  raking  fire,  which  did  hei 
considerable  damage.  In  her  disabled  condition, 
it  was  no  longer  possible  to  control  her,  whence, 
drifting  with  the  current,  she  ran  upon  a  saLd  bank 
about  seven  hundred  yards  distant,  where,  until  late 
at  night,  she  remained  exposed  to  the  guns  of  the 
fort.  Her  commander,  finding  it  impracticable  to 
be  relieved,  set  her  on  fire,  and  abandoned  her. 
She  continued  burning  until  eleven  o'clock,  when 
she  blew  up.  The  Carron,  next  in  advance  to  the 
Hermes,  was  considerably  injured,  and  with  diffi- 
culty went  out  to  sea. 

It  may  be  worth  while,  to  show  the  difference  in 
battle  between  the  two  combatants,  to  mark  the 
conduct  of  British  and  American  officers,  under  cir  • 
cumstances  precisely  similar.  Whilst  the  battle 
raged,  the  flag  of  the  van  ship  was  carried  away, 
and  at  this  moment  she  had  ceased  to  fire.  What 
had  caused  its  disappearance  none  could  tell :  no 
other  opinion  was,  or  could  with  propriety  be  en- 
tertained, than  that  it  had  been  hauled  down,  with 
a  view  to  yield  the  contest,  and  surrender.  Influ- 
enced by  this  belief,  Lawrence,  with  a  generosity 
characteristic  of  our  officers,  immediately  desisted 
from  further  firing.  The  appearance  of  a  new  flag, 
and  a  broadside  from  the  ship  next  the  Hermes,  was 
the  first  intelligence  received  that  such  was  not  the 
fact  and  the  contest  again  raged  with  renewed 
violence.  It  was  but  a  few  mmutes,  however,  before 
the  flag-staff"  of  the  fort  was  also  carried  away  ;  but, 
so  far  from  pursuing  the  same  generous  course  that 
had  just  been  witnessed,  the  zeal  of  the  enemy  was 
increased,  and  tlie  assault  more   furiously  urged. 


176  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

At  this  moirent,  Nicholls  and  Woodbine,  at  the  head 
of  their  embattled  train,  perceiving  what  had  hap- 
pened,— that  our  "  star-spangled  banner"  had  sunk, 
— at  once  presuming  all  danger  to  have  subsided, 
made  a  most  courageous  sally  from  their  strong 
hold ;  and,  pushing  towards  their  vanquished  foes, 
were  already  calculating  on  a  rich  harvest  of  plun- 
der: but  a  well-directed  fire  checked  their  pro- 
gress, dissipated  their  expectations,  and  drove  thera 
back,  with  a  rapidity  even  surpassing  the  celerity 
of  their  advance. 

From  the  bay,  the  attack  was  waged  with  a  force 
of  six  hundred  men,  and  ninety  guns,  of  larger  cal- 
iber than  any  opposed  to  them ;  whilst  upwards  of 
four  hundred  Indians  and  other  troops  were  on  the 
shore,  in  rear  of  the  fort.  Lawrence's  strength  waa 
scarcely  a  tenth  of  the  enemy's.  His  fort,  hastily 
prepared  for  defence,  with  not  more  than  twenty 
guns,  was  ill  calculated  for  stubborn  resistance  : 
most  of  these  were  of  small  caliber,  whilst  many, 
from  being  badly  mounted,  were  capable  of  render- 
ing no  essential  service  in  the  action  :  yet,  with 
this  great  inequality,  he  well  maintained  the  honour 
of  his  flag,  and  compelled  the  enemy,  resting  in  fall 
confidence  of  success,  to  retire,  with  the  loss  of 
their  best  ship,  and  two  hundred  and  thirty  men 
killed  and  wounded  ;  whilst  the  loss  sustained  by 
the  Americans  did  not  exceed  ten. 

Very  different  were  the  feelings  of  the  leaders 
of  this  expedition,  from  what  had  been  entertained 
on  setting  out  from  Pensacola,  where  every  thing 
liad  been  prepared  for  giving  success  to  their  plans, 
and  where  scarcely  a  doubt  was  entertained  of  the 
result.  Numerous  benefits  were  expected  to  arise 
from  a  victory,  not  in  expectancy,  but  already  looked 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  177 

to  as  certain — as  an  event  that  could  not  fail.  From 
it,  greater  facility  would  be  given  to  their  opera- 
tions ;  while  Mobile,  it  was  expected,  would  fall,  of 
course.  This  being  effected,  independent  of  the 
strong  hold  already  possessed  in  Florida,  an  addi- 
tional advantage  would  be  acquired,  calculated  tc 
prevent  all  intercourse  with  New  Orleans  from  this 
section  of  the  country,  enable  them  more  easily  tc 
procure  supplies,  and,  having  obtained  their  expect- 
ed re-enforcements,  piloted  and  aided  by  the  Indians 
to  proceed  across  to  the  Mississippi,  and  cut  off  all 
communication  with  the  w'estern  states.  To  rendei 
the  blow  effectual  was  important ;  that,  by  impress  • 
ing  at  once  the  inhabitants  with  an  idea  of  thei. 
prowess,  the  proclamations  already  disseminated 
might  claim  a  stronger  influence  on  doubting 
minds.  The  force  employed  was  calculated  to  at 
tain  these  wished-for  results.  While  the  attack 
sliould  be  furiously  w'aged  by  the  ships  from  the  bay 
and  the  forces  on  the  shore,  the  yells  of  three  or 
four  hundred  savages  in  the  rear,  it  was  calculated, 
would  strike  the  defenders  of  this  fort  with  such 
panic,  as  to  make  them,  at  the  first  onset,  throw 
dowm  their  arms,  and  clamour  for  mercy.  This  be- 
lief was  so  sanguinely  indulged,  that  obstinate  re- 
sistance had  never  been  thought  of.  Different  wag 
the  reality — instead  of  triumph,  they  had  met  de- 
feat. The  only  badges  of  victory  they  could  pre- 
sent their  friends,  with  whom,  but  a  few  days  before, 
with  flattering  promises  they  had  parted,  were  shat- 
tered hulks,  that  could  scarcely  keep  above  the 
water,  and  decks  covered  with  the  dead  and 
wounded. 

The  three  vessels  that  retire*  from  the  contest 
were  considerably  injured,  and  with  difficulty  pro 


ITS  LIFE   OF  ce:veral  jacksox. 

ceeded  to  sea,  leaving  Nicholls  and  Woodbine, 
with  their  friends  and  allios,  on  the  shore,  to  make 
good  their  retreat,  as  discretion  should  permit. 

On  the  morning-  of  the   l-Jth,  Jackson,  fearing, 
from  every  tiling  lie  had   learned,  that   an   attack 
would  be  made,  had  set  out  in  a  boat  from  Mobile, 
to  visit   Fort  Bowyer,  examine   its  situation,  and 
have  such   arrangements   made  as  would  add  to  its 
strength,  and  obtain  that  security  which  its  re-estab- 
lishmont  had  been  designed  to  effect.     He  had  pro- 
ceeded  down  the   bay,  and  arrived  within  a  few 
miles  of  the   place,  when  he  met  an  express  from 
Lawrence,  bringing  intelligence  of  the  enemy's  ar- 
rival, and  requesting  that  assistance  might  be  im- 
mediately sent  to  his  relief.    The  general,  hastening" 
back,  late   at  night,  despatched  a  brig,  with  eighty 
men,  undef  the  command  of  Captain  Laval.     Not 
being  able  to  reach  his  point  of  destination  until  the 
next  day,  and  finding  every  place  of  entrance  block- 
ed up  by  tlie  besiegers,  he  ran  his  brig  to  the  land, 
determined  to  remain  there  until  night,  when,  under 
cover  of  its  darkness,  he  hoped  to  succeed  in  throw 
ing  into  the  fort  himself  and  the  re-enforcement  un- 
der his  command.     The  battle,  however,  having  in 
the  mean  time  commenced,  presented  new  difficul- 
ties, and  restrained  the  execution  of  his   purpose, 
unless  he  should  venture  to  encounter  greater  haz- 
ard than  prudence  seemed  to  sanction.     The  Her- 
mes,  on   being   driven   from    her  anchorage,  had, 
rd  the  time  of  hor  explosion,  floated  and  grounded 
in  a  direction,  which,  from  the  position  she  occupied, 
placed   her  immediately  in   the  rear  of  the   fo»t. 
This   circumstance  well  accounted  for  the  mistake 
with  which  he  was  impressed,  and  led  Captain  La- 
val   to   suppose  that  his  brave  countrymen  had  all 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  179 

perished.  Believing'  they  would  now  attempt  to 
carry  his  vessel,  he  set  sa.il  for  IMobile,  and  report 
ed  to  the  commanding  general  the  loss.  Jackson 
declared  it  was  impossible  ;  that  he  had  heard  the 
explosion,  and  was  convinced  it  was  on  the  wa.ter, 
and  not  on  the  shore.  Perhaps  his  great  anxiety, 
more  than  any  reality,  iiad'  constituted  this  refined 
difference  in  sound.  If,  however,  the  disasters  were 
as  it  was  reported,  his  own  situation  being  thereby 
rendered  precarious,  something  was  necessary  to 
be  dune  to  repair  the  loss,  and  regain  a  place  for 
many  rcasoRo  too  important  to  be  yielded.  His 
principal  fears  were,  lest  the  strength  of  the  enemy 
should  be  greatly  increased,  before  his  expected 
re-enforcements  could  arrive,  who  would  be  ena,bled 
to  extend  his  inroads,  and  paralyze  the  zeal  of  the 
country.  It  was  not  a  time  for  much  deliberation 
as  to  the  course  most  advisable  to  be  pursued.  He 
determined,  at  all  liazard,  to  retake  the  fort ;  and 
to  that  end  a  general  order  was  issued  for  the  de- 
parture of  the  troops.  Every  thing  was  nearly  in 
readiness,  when  a  despatch  arrived  from  Lawrence, 
proclaiming  the  pleasing  intelligence,  that  all  was 
safe,  and  that  the  enemy,  vanquished,  had  retired. 

The  conduct  displayed  by  the  officers  and  soldiers 
of  tliis  garrison  is  worthy  to  be  remembered.  With 
troops  wholly  undisciplined,  and  against  an  enevay 
ten  times  more  numerous  than  themselves,  so  fear- 
lessly contending,  is  a  circumstance  so  flattering, 
that  we  cannot  wish  our  country  better,  than  tnat 
the  future  defenders  of  her  honour,  and  violated 
rights,  may  bo  as  sensibly  alive  to  their  duty. 

The  British  had  now  retired  to  Pensacola,  tc  dis- 
pose of  their  wounded,  refit  their  vessels,  and  be 
ready,  as  soon  as  circumstances  v/ouid   permit,  tu 


180  LIFE    OF    GE>'EKAL    JACKSC!?. 

make,  perhaps,  another  descent,  on  some  less  guard- 
ed point.  So  long  as  this,  their  only  place  of  refuge 
on  the  southern  coast,  was  left  in  their  possession, 
it  was  impossible  to  calculate  on  the  consequences 
that  might  arise.  The  commanding  general  enter- 
tained a  suspicion  that  this  was  merely  a  feint,  and 
that  the  object  of  their  wishes,  so  soon  as  a  sulR- 
cient  force  should  arrive,  would  be  New  Orleans. 
At  this  place  he  believed  his  presence  most  mate- 
rial, to  guard  the  important  passes  to  the  city,  and 
to  concert  some  plan  of  general  defence. 

Jackson  and  his  government  had  ever  viewed 
this  subject  in  very  different  lights :  they  were  not 
willing  to  risk  any  act  which  might  involve  the  pos- 
sibility of  a  contest  with  Spain,  for  the  sake  of  re- 
moving what  they  considered  an  unimportant  griev- 
ance :  he  thought  it  of  more  serious  import,  and 
did  not  believe  it  could  afford  even  a  pretext  for 
rupture  between  the  two  nations.  If  Spain,  through 
her  agents,  gave  assistance  to  our  enemy,  or  en- 
couraged a  power  with  whom  she  was  at  peace  to 
be  thus  annoyed,  she  deserved  to  be  placed  herself 
on  the  list  of  enemies,  and  treated  accordingly.  If, 
however,  Great  Britam,  taking  advantage  of  the 
defenceless  state  of  her  province,  claimed  to  have 
free  egress,  in  exclusion  of  her  authority,  she  could 
have  no  well-founded  cause  of  complaint  against 
the  injured  power,  which  should  claim  to  hold  it, 
until  such  time  as,  by  bringing  a  sufficient  force, 
sne  might  be  in  a  situation  to  support  her  neutral 
ity,  and  enforce  obedience.  Upon  either  ground, 
he  believed  it  might  be  sufficiently  justified.  There 
was  one,  however,  on  which  it  could  be  placed, 
where  he  well  knew  nothing  could  result,  beyond 
his  own  injury  ;  and  on  this  issue  he  was  willing  to 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL      ACKSON.  181 

trust  it.  If  any  complaint  should  be  made,  his  gov 
ernment,  having  never  extended  to  him  any  author 
ity,  might,  with  propriety,  disavow  the  act ;  and, 
by  exposing  him  to  punishment,  would  oifer  an 
atonement  for  the  outrage  ;  and  Spain,  in  justice, 
could  demand  no  more.  The  attack  on  Mobile 
Point  was  a  confirmation  of  his  previous  conjectures^ 
as  to  the  views  of  the  enemy  ;  and  from  that  mo- 
ment he  determined  to  advance  and  reduce  Pensa 
cola,  throw  a  sufficient  force  into  the  Barrancas, 
hold  them  until  the  principles  of  right  and  neutral- 
ity were  better  respected,  and  rest  the  measure  on 
liis  own  responsibility.  Believing  this  the  only 
course  calculated  to  assure  ultimate  security,  he 
Decided  with  firmness,  and  resolved  to  execute  his 
intentions  so  soon  as  General  Coffee  should  arrive, 
with  tlie  volunteers,  from  Tennessee. 

It  was  now  generally  accredited,  that  a  very 
considerable  force  would  shortly  sail  from  England, 
destined  to  act  against  some  part  of  the  United 
States ;  where,  none  could  tell ;  rumour  fixed  its 
destination  for  New  Orleans.  The  importance  of 
this  place  was  well  known  to  our  enemy ;  it  was 
the  key  to  the  entire  commerce  of  the  western 
country.  Had  a  descent  been  made  a  few  months 
before,  it  might  have  been  taken  with  all  imagina- 
ble ease  ;  but  the  British  had  indulged  the  belief, 
that  they  could  possess  it  at  any  time,  without  dif- 
ficulty. England  and  France  having  ended  their 
long-pending  controversy,  it  was  presumed  that 
the  French  people  of  Louisiana,  alive  to  the  great 
benefits  the  English  had  conferred  upon  their  na 
live  country, — benefits  that  prostrated  her  liberty, 
and  which  have  sunk  her,  perhaps,  in  eternal  sla- 
very,— would,  on  their  first  appearance,  hail  their  dc 
16 


182  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOX. 

liverers,  and  become  their  vassals.  Independent  of 
this,  they  imagined  the  black  population  would  af 
ford  them  the  means  of  exciting  insurrection,  and 
deluging  the  country  in  blood.  Whether  a  resort 
to  this  kind  of  warfare,  which  involves  the  deepest 
wretchedness,  and  equally  exposes  to  ruin  the  in- 
nocent as  the  guilty, — the  female  as  the  soldier, — 
should  be  sanctioned  by  a  nation  professing  a  high 
sense  of  moral  feeling ;  or  whether  a  nation  that 
adopts  such  a  system  merits  countenance  from  the 
civilized  world,  are  questions  on  which  we  should 
not  fear  the  decision  even  of  an  Englishman,  could 
he  but  divest  himself  of  that  animosity  which,  from 
infancy,  he  learns  to  entertain  for  the  Americans. 

The  expected  re-enforcements  were  announced. 
General  Coffee  with  his  brigade  had  arrived  at  the 
Cut-off,  no"^-  far  from  Fort  St.  Stephens,  on  the  Mo- 
bile river.  In  addition  to  the  force  ^vith  which  he 
commenced  his  march,  he  had  been  strengthened 
by  the  arrival  of  others,  who  had  overtaken  him  at 
this  place  ;  so  that  his  whole  number  was  now  about 
twenty-eight  hundred.  To  make  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements for  an  immediate  march,  General  Jack- 
son, on  the  26th  day  of  October,  repaired  to  Coffee's 
camp.  A  dependence  on  himself  to  further  the 
objects  of  the  government,  and  the  cause  of  the 
country,  had  been  his  constant  lot  from  the  com- 
mencement of  his  military  career ;  and  a  similar 
resort,  or  failure  to  the  enterprise,  was  now  to  be 
assayed.  Money  was  wanted — the  quarter-masters 
were  destitute  of  funds,  and  the  government  credit 
was  insufficient  to  procure  the  necessary  means  to 
change  the  position  of  an  army :  thus  situated, 
with  his  own  limited  funds,  and  loans  effected  on 
his   responsibility,  he   succeeded  in   carrying  his 


LIFE    OF  GENERAL    JACKSON.  183 

plans  into  effect,  and  in  hastening  his  army  ro  tho 
place  of  its  destination. 

The  difficulty  of  subsisting  cavalry  on  tnc  route 
rendered  it  necessary  that  part  of  the  brigade 
should  proceed  on  foot.  Although  they  had  volun- 
teered in  the  service  as  mounted  men,  and  expected 
tliat  no  different  disposition  would  be  made  of  them, 
yet  they  cheerfully  acquiesced  in  the  order :  and 
one  thousand,  abandoning  their  horses  to  subsist  as 
they  could  on  the  reeds  that  grew  along  the  river 
bottoms,  prepared  to  commence  the  march.  Being 
supplied  with  rations  for  the  trip,  on  the  2d  day 
of  November  the  line  of  march  was  taken  up,  and 
Pensacola  was  reached  on  the  6th.  The  British 
and  Spaniards  had  obtained  intelligence  of  their 
approach  and  intended  attack ;  and  every  thing 
was  in  readiness  to  dispute  their  passage  to  the 
town.  The  forts  wero  garrisoned,  and  prepared 
for  resistance ;  batteries  formed  in  the  principal 
streets ;  and  the  British  vessels  moored  withm  the 
bay,  and  so  disposed  as  to  command  the  main  en- 
trances which  led  into  Pensacola. 

The  American  army,  consisting  of  the  greater 
part  of  Coffee's  brigade,  the  regulars,  and  a  few 
Indians,  iD  all  about  three  thousand  men,  had  ar- 
rived within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  this  rallying  point 
for  our  enemies,  and  formed  their  encampment, 
before  any  final  step  was  taken,  the  general  con- 
cluded to  make  a  further  application  to  the  gov- 
ernor, and  to  learn  of  him  what  course  at  the 
present  moment  he  would  make  it  necessary  for 
him  to  pursue.  To  take  possession  of  Pensacola, 
and  dislodge  the  British,  was  indispensable  •  to  do 
it  under  such  circumstances,  however,  as  should 
impress  the  minds  of  the  Spaniards  with  a  conv.c- 


184  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

lion,  that  the  invasion  of  their  territory  was  a 
measuie  resorted  to  from  necessity,  not  choice, 
and  from  no  disposition  to  violate  their  neutraj 
rights,  was  believed  to  be  essential.  It  was  ren- 
dered the  more  so,  on  the  part  of  Jackson,  because 
a  measure  of  his  own,  and  not  directed  by  his  gov- 
ernment. Previously,  he  determined  once  more  to 
try  the  effect  of  negotiation,  that  he  might  ascertain 
correctly  how  far  the  governor  felt  disposed  to 
preeerve  a  good  understanding  between  the  two 
governments. 

Major  Piere,  of  the  forty-fourth  regiment,  was 
accordingly  despatched  with  a  flag,  to  disclose  the 
objects  intended  to  be  attained  by  the  visit,  and  to 
require  that  the  different  forts.  Barrancas,  St.  Rose, 
and  St.  Michael,  should  be  immediately  surren- 
dered, to  Be  garrisoned  by  the  United  States,  until 
Spain,  by  furnishing  a  sufficient  force,  miglit  be 
able  to  protect  the  province,  and  preserve  unim- 
paired her  neutral  character.  He  was  charged  by 
the  general  with  a  candid  statement  of  his  views, 
and  instructed  to  require  of  the  governo?  a  deci- 
sive declaration  of  the  course  intended. 

This  mission  experienced  no  very  favourable  re- 
sult. Major  Piere,  on  approaching  St.  Michael's, 
was  fired  on.  and  compelled  to  return.  Whether 
this  were  done  by  tlie  Spaniards  themselves,  or  by 
their  allies  and  friends,  was  not  a  material  ijiquiry 
The  Spanish  flag  was  displayed  on  the  fort,  and 
under  it  the  outrage  was  committed  ;  though  it  was 
a  fact  well  ascertained,  that,  until  the  day  before, 
the  British  flag  had  been  also  associated  :  this,  on 
the  arrival  of  Jackson,  had  been  removed,  and  the 
colours  of  Spain  loft,  which  were  designed  to  aflbrd 
protection  to  our  enemies,  and  a  pretext  for  every 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  IS? 

injury  This  conduct,  so  unprovoked,  and  so  di- 
rectly in  opposition  to  the  principles  of  civilized 
warfare,  might  liave  well  determined  the  general 
to  abstain  from  farther  forbearance,  and  to  proceed 
inmiediately  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  views 
but  a  consciousness,  that  although  the  reduction  of 
this  place  was  required  by  circumstances  of  the 
highest  necessity,  yet,  fearing  it  might  be  blazoned 
to  his  prejudice,  and  particularly  that  it  might  be- 
come a  cause  of  national  difficulty,  he  was  prompted 
to  act  with  every  possible  caution.  Determining, 
therefore,  to  understand  the  governor  fully,  previous- 
ly to  proceeding  to  extremities,  he  again  despatched 
a  letter  to  him,  not  by  any  of  his  officers, — for,  after 
such  perfidy,  he  was  unwilling,  and  felt  it  unsafe,  to 
risk  them, — but  by  a  Spanish  corporal,  who  had  been 
taken  on  the  route  the  day  before.  By  him  it  was 
required  to  be  known,  why  the  former  application 
which  had  been  made,  instead  of  being  met  with  a 
becoming  spirit  of  conciliation,  had  been  insulted. 
[n  answer,  he  received  from  the  governor  a  confir 
raation  of  the  opinion  he  had  previously  entertained, 
that  what  had  been  done  was  not  properly  chargea- 
ble on  him,  but  the  English ;  that  he  had  no  agency 
in  the  transaction  of  which  he  complained,  and 
assured  him  of  his  perfect  willingness  to  receive 
any  overtures  he  might  be  pleased  to  make.  This 
was  joyful  tidings  ;  and  no  time  was  to  be  lost  in 
meeting  the  offer.  If  negotiation  should  place  in 
his  hands  the  different  fortresses,  before  informa- 
tion of  it  could  be  had  by  the  British  shipping 
lying  in  the  bay,  the  outward  channel  would  be 
effectually  stopped,  and  the  means  of  their  escape 
entirely  cut  off.  Major  Piere  was  sent  off,  at  a 
late  hour  of  the  night,  to  detail  to  the  governor  the 
16* 


186  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

reasons  which  had  rendered  the  present  descent 
proper ;  and  to  insist  on  the  conditions  already 
noticed,  as  alone  calculated  to  assure  safety  to  the 
United  States,  and  give  protection  to  the  provinces 
of  Florida.  He  was  particularly  instructed  to  im- 
press on  his  consideration  the  most  friendly  senti- 
ments, and  to  assure  him  that  a  re-surrender  would 
be  made  so  soon  as  Spain,  by  the  arrival  of  a  suf- 
ficient force,  could  protect  her  territory -from  the 
inroads  of  a  power  at  war  with  the  United  States  ; 
and  which,  tlirough  an  opening  thus  afforded  to  a 
violation  of  the  neutrality  of  Spain,  was  enabled? 
and  had  already  done  her  considerable  injury.  In 
his  communication  to  the  governor,  he  remarks,  "  1 
come  not  as  the  enemy  of  Spain;  not  to  make  war, 
but  to  ask  .for  peace  ;  to  demand  security  for  my 
country,  afnd  that  respect  to  which  she  is  entitled, 
and  must  receive.  My  force  is  sufficient,  and  m^ 
determination  taken,  to  prevent  a  future  repetition 
of  the  injuries  she  has  received.  I  demand,  tliore- 
fore,  the  possession  of  the  B-arrancas,  and  other  for 
tifications,  with  all  your  munitions  of  war.  If  de 
livered  peaceably,  the  whole  will  be  receipted  for, 
and  become  tlie  subject  of  future  arrangement  by 
our  respective  governments  ;  while  the  property, 
laws,  and  religion  of  your  citizens  shall  be  respect- 
ed. But  if  taken  by  an  appeal  to  arms,  let  the  blood 
of  your  subjects  be  upon  your  own  head.  I  will  not 
hold  myself  responsible  for  the  conduct  of  my  en 
raged  soldiers.  One  hour  is  given  you  for  delib 
cration.  when  your  determination  must  be  had." 

The  council  was  called,  and  the  propositions  made 
considered,  when  tlie  conclusion  was  taken  that 
they  could  not  be  acceded  to.  As  soon  as  -the  an- 
swer v/as  received,  showing  that  nothing  peaceably 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  18* 

could  be  effectod,  Jackson  resolved  to  urge  his  army 
forward  ;  and,  immediately  comm.encing  his  march, 
proceeded  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  object,  de- 
termined to  effect  it,  in  despite  of  consequences. 

Early  on  the  morning-  of  the  7th,  the  army  was 
in  motion.  To  foster  the  idea,  that  he  would  march 
and  reach  the  town  along  the  road  on  which  he  was 
encamped,  a  detachment  of  five  hundred  men  was 
sent  forward,  with  orders  to  show  themselves  in  this 
direction,  that  they  might  deceive  the  enemy  ;  while, 
urging  rapidly  on,  with  the  strength  of  his  army, 
he  was  gaining  Pensacola  at  a  different  point.  This 
stratagem  succeeded :  the  British,  looking  for  his 
appearance  where  the  detachment  was  seen,  had 
formed  their  vessels  across  the  bay,  and  were  wait- 
ing his  approach,  with  their  guns  properly  bearing : 
nor  had  they  an  intimation  to  the  contrary,  until  our 
troops  were  descried  upon  the  beach.,  on  the  east 
side,  where  they  were  at  too  great  a  distance  to  be 
annoyed  from  the  flotilla ;  and  whence,  pushing  for- 
ward, they  were  presently  in  the  streets,  and  under 
cover  of  the  houses. 

One  company,  from  the  third  regiment  of  infan- 
try, with  two  field  pieces,  formed  the  advance,  led 
by  Captain  Laval,  who  fell,  severely  wounded,  while, 
at  the  head  of  his  command,  he  was  charging  a 
Spanish  battery,  formed  in  the  street.  The  left  col- 
umn, composed  of  the  regular  troops,  the  third, 
thirty-ninth,  and  forty-fourth  regiments,  headed  by 
Majors  Woodruff  and  Piere,  formed  the  left,  next 
the  bay.  The  dismounted  volunteers  proceeded 
down  the  street,  next  the  regulars  :  Coffee's  brig- 
ade next,  on  their  right :  the  Mississippi  dragoons, 
(Commanded  by  Colonel  Hinds,  and  the  Choctaw  In- 
dians by  Major  Blue,  of  the  thirty-ninth,  advanced 


188  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

on  the  extreme  riglit  of  all.  Captain  Laval's  party, 
although  deprived  of  their  leader,  moved  forward, 
and,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  took  possession  of 
the  battery  in  their  front.  So  quickly  was  this  ef- 
fected, that  the  Spaniards  had  it  in  their  power  to 
make  but  three  fires,  before  they  were  forced  to 
abandon  it.  From  behind  the  houses  and  garden 
fences  were  constant  volleys  of  musketry  discharg- 
ed, until  the  regulars,  arriving,  met  the  Spaniards, 
and  drove  them  from  their  positions.  The  gover- 
nor, trembling  for  the  safety  of  his  city,  and  remem- 
bering the  declaration  of  the  general,  that,  if  driven 
to  extremes,  he  should  not  hold  himself  responsi- 
ble for  his  enraged  soldiers,  hastened,  bearing  a  flag 
In  his  hand,  to  lind  the  commander  to  stay  the  car- 
nage. He  was  met  by  Colonels  Williamson  and 
Smith,  at  the  head  of  the  dismounted  troops,  when, 
with  faltering  speech,  he  entreated  that  mercy  might 
be  extended,  and  promised  to  consent  to  whatevei 
terms  might  be  demanded  of  him. 

General  Jackson  had  stopped  for  a  moment  at 
the  place  where  Laval  had  fallen,  and  w-as  at  this 
time  in  the  rear.  Receiving  information  that  an 
offer  had  been  made  by  the  governor  to  com.ply 
with  every  demand  heretofore  made  on  him,  he  has- 
tened to  the  intendant  house,  and  obtained  a  confir 
mation  of  what  had  previously  been  communicated 
to  him,  that  the  town  arsenals,  and  munitions  of 
war,  and  in  fact  whatever  was  required,  should  im- 
mediately be  surrendered. 

The  British  vessels  remained  in  the  bay :  with 
the  aid  of  their  boats,  by  which  a  nearer  situation 
was  obtained,  they  continued  to  fire  upon  our  troops, 
as,  passing  along  the  principal  strv?ets,  they  could 
got  them  in  the  range  of  their  guns.     Lieutenant 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  1S9 

Call,  perceiving  some  of  their  boats  attempting  to 
occupy  a  more  advantageous  position,  advanced  to 
tlie  beach  with  a  single  piece  of  artillery,  where, 
suddenly  unmasking  himself  from  a  hill,  uncovered, 
he  commenced  a  brisk  and  well-aimed  fire,  which 
drove  them  back  to  a  respectful  distance. 

No  time  was  lost  by  General  Jackson  in  procur- 
ing what  was  considered  by  him  of  vital  impor- 
tance— the  surrender  of  the  forts.  Although  great- 
er benefits  would  have  been  derived,  had  the  suc- 
cess of  negotiation  placed  them  privately  in  his 
hands,  without  its  being  previously  known  to  his 
enemies,  yet  even  now  their  possession  was  not  to 
be  neglected.  Their  occupancy  was  necessary 
still  to  his  own  security — to  check  any  design  that 
might  be  in  agitation.  What  was  the  force  oppos- 
ed to  him,  at  what  moment  re-enforcements  might 
appear  off  Pensacola,  and  thereby  give  an  entire 
change  to  things,  as  they  at  present  existed,  were 
matters  of  which  no  certain  idea  could  be  formed. 
To  possess  the  Barrancas  was  a  consideration  of 
the  first  importance  ;  still,  until  the  town  and  its 
fortresses  were  secured,  it  was  improper  to  with- 
draw the  army. 

Notwithstanding  the  assurances  given  by  the  gov- 
ernor, that  all  differences  would  be  accommodated, 
and  every  thing  insisted  on  agreed  to,  Fort  St.  Mi- 
chael was  still  withheld.  Captain  Dinkins  was  or- 
dered to  take  post  on  Mount  St.  Bernard,  form  his 
batteries,  and  reduce  it.  He  was  in  a  situation  to 
act,  when  the  commandant.  Colonel  Sotto,  ordered 
his  flag  taken  down,  and  the  fort  to  be  surrendered. 

It  is  curious  to  observe  the  treachery  of  the 
Spaniards,  and  the  unpardonable  method  they  took 
to  indulge  their  spleen.     Previously  to  striking  hi» 


l90  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOW. 

colours,  the  commandant  at  St.  Michael  had  asked 
permission  to  discharge  his  guns  ;  to  this  there 
could  be  no  objection,  and  the  indulgence  was  readi- 
ly e?:tendcd  ;  but,  faithless  and  cowardly,  he  level- 
led and  fired  his  pieces,  charged  with  grape,  at  a 
party  of  dragoons  and  CJioctaw  Indians,  who  were 
at  a  small  distance,  which  killed  three  horses  and 
wounded  two  men.  Such  unpardonable  conduct, 
independent  of  other  injuries  already  noticed,  might 
have  justified  any  treatment;  the  destruction  of  the 
garrison  would  not  have  been  an  unmerited  chas- 
tisement. The  general  was  on  liis  way  to  Mount 
St.  Bernard,  where  his  artillery  was  planted,  when 
ne  received  intelligence  of  what  had  been  done. 
He  determined  no  longer  to  confide  in  persons  so 
faithless,  and  whose  only  object  seemed  to  deceive, 
but  at  once  to  make  the  sword  the  arbiter  between 
them.  His  cannon  were  already  turned  towarda 
the  fort,  the  resolution  taken  to  batter  it  down, 
when  it  was  announced,  by  the  officer  he  had  left 
in  command  at  Pensacola,  that  the  capitulation  had 
been  agreed  on,  and  a  surrender  would  be  made  in 
lialf  an  hour.  Sensible  of  the  delicate  situation  in 
which  he  was  placed,  he  forbore  to  obey  that  im- 
pulse their  unwarrantable  conduct  had  so  justly  ex- 
cited, and  forthwith  despatched  Captain  Dinkins  to 
insist  on  an  immediate  delivery ;  at  the  same  time 
giving  him  directions  to  carry  it  by  storm  if  the  de- 
mand was  not  instantly  complied  with. 

Difficulties  promised  thus  peaceably  to  terminate 
The  day  was  far  spent,  and  the  general  greatly  in- 
disposed :  until  the  next  morning,  no  step  could  be 
taken  to  obtain  possession  of  the  Barrancas.  On 
the  credit  of  t!ie  governor's  promises,  made  first  on 
r  entrance  into  tlie  town,  the  principal  part  of 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL   JACKSON.  191 

the  army  had  been  ordered  a  short  distance  ouu 
Understanding,  at  St.  Bernai-d,  that  what  had  been 
required  would  be  done,  and  that  no  further  deiay 
would  be  met,  the  general  had  set  out  to  the  en- 
campm.ent,  leaving  Major  Piere  behind,  with  a  suf- 
ficient force  to  preserve  every  thing  in  safety  and 
quietness.  He  was  astonished,  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, to  learn,  that  the  officer  despatched  to  St.  Mi- 
chael, the  preceding  evening,  had,  on  his  arrival, 
been  threatened  to  be  fired  on  by  Colonel  Sotto ; 
who,  however,  yielded  possession,  on  being  made  to 
understand,  that,  if  the  fort  v/ere  not  delivered  in- 
stantly, it  would  be  carried  forcibly,  and  the  garri- 
son put  to  the  sword.  A  capitulation  was  now 
agreed  on  :  Pensacola  and  the  different  fortresses 
were  to  be  retained,  until  Spain  could  better  main- 
tain her  authority ;  while  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  her  citizens  were  to  be  respected. 

Every  thing  was  in  readiness,  on  the  following 
day,  to  take  possession  of  Barrancas  Fort.  Tha 
faithless  conduct  of  yesterday  had  determined  Jack- 
son on  tlie  exocut.icTi  of  his  plans  ;  nor  longer  to 
v;oniidc  in  Spaniards'  promises,  but,  on  reaching  the 
place,  to  carry  it  b}'^  force,  if  it  were  not  immediate- 
ly surrendered.  Major  Piere  was  ordered  to  give 
the  command  of  the  city  to  Colonel  Hayne,  and  re- 
port himself  at  camp,  to  accompany  him  on  the 
march  ;  previously,  however,  to  retiring,  to  require 
of  the  governor  to  execute  an  authority  to  the  com- 
mandant of  tlie  fort,  to  deliver  it ;  and,  in  the  event 
he  would  not  comply  immediately,  to  arrest  him,  and 
every  public  officer,  and  hold  them  as  prisoners 
The  order  for  its  delivery  had  been  signed,  and  the 
line  of  march  ready  to  be  taken  up,  to  receive  !t 
peaceably,  if  the  order  would  effect  it,  forcibly,  il 


192  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

not,  when  a  tremendous  explosion  in  that  direction, 
followed  by  two  others,  in  quick  succession,  excited 
the  apprehension  that  all  was  destroyed.  To  as- 
certain, certainly,  whence  the  noise  had  proceeded, 
Major  Gales,  a  volunteer  aid,  was  despatched,  with 
two  hundred  men,  to  obtain  intelligence.  He  pres- 
ently returned,  and  confirmed  what  had  been  pre- 
viously apprehended,  that  the  fort  was  blown  up, 
and  that  the  British  shipping  had  retired  from  the 
bay. 

Although  repairing  this  place  might  be  produc- 
tive of  numerous  advantages,  yet,  as  the  act  was 
unauthorized  by  his  government,  Jackson  felt  him- 
self restrained  from  incurring  any  expense  for  the 
re-establishment  of  what  had  been  thus  treacher- 
ously destroyed.  Though  disappointed  in  the  ob- 
iect  he  had  in  view,  he  believed  that  some  of  the 
benefits  expected  would  result.  This  strong  hold, 
which  had  so  long  given  protection  to  the  southern 
hostile  savages,  and  where  they  had  been  excited 
to  acts  of  cruelty,  was  assailed,  and  the  Indiansr 
taught  that  even  here  safety  was  not  to  be  found. 
The  valour  of  his  troops  had  impressed  on  the  minda 
of  the  Spaniards  a  respect  for  the  character  of  his 
country,  which,  hitherto,  they  had  not  entertained  ; 
and  the  British,  by  being  dislodged,  were  prevent- 
ed from  maturing  those  plans,  which  were  to  give 
elficacy  to  their  future  operations  against  the  south- 
ern section  of  the  Union  :  but,  as  the  means  of 
maintaining  and  defending  it  were  destroyed,  it  was 
unnecessary  to  think  of  attempting  to  hold  it,  It 
was  accordingly  concluded  to  re-deliver  all  tha:  had 
been  surrendered,  and  retire  to  Fort  Montgomery. 
Jackson  was  the  more  disposed  to  adopt  this  course 
fiom  a  belief  that  the  British  who  had  sailed  out  of 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  193 

the  bay,  would  probably  make  their  way  to  Fort 
Bowyer,  and,  with  a  knowledge  of  the  principal 
strength  of  the  army  being  away,  seek  to  aim  a 
blow  somewhere  on  the  Mobile.  An  express  was 
immediately  hastened  to  Colonel  Sparks,  who  had 
been  left  in  command  at  this  place,  announcing  what 
nad  transpired,  suggesting  apprehensions  for  his 
safety,  and  notifying  him,  in  the  event  of  an  attack, 
to  endeavour  to  parry  the  danger  until  the  regular 
troops  should  arrive  to  support  him. 

Two  days  after  entering  the  town,  he  abandoned 
it.  Previously  to  retiring,  he  wrote  to  Governor 
Manrequez:  and,  after  stating  to  him  the  causes 
which  had  induced  him,  justifiably,  as  he  believed, 
to  enter  his  territory,  he  thus  concluded  :  "  As  the 
Barrancas  and  the  adjacent  fortresses  have  been 
surrendered  to  and  blown  up  by  the  British,  con- 
trary to  the  good  faith  I  had  reposed  in  your  prom- 
ises, it  is  out  of  my  power  to  guard  your  neutrali- 
ty, as  otherwise  I  should  have  done.  The  enemy 
has  retreated  ;  the  hostile  Creeks  have  fled  for  safe- 
ty to  the  forest ;  and  I  now  retire  from  your  town, 
leaving  you  to  re-occupy  your  forts,  and  protect  the 
rights  of  your  citizens." 

Our  loss  in  this  expedition  was  quite  inconsider- 
able. •  The  left  column  alone  met  resistance,  and 
had  fifteen  or  twenty  wounded — none  killed.  It 
appears  strange,  that  three  heavy  pieces  of  artille- 
ry, charged  with  grape  and  canister,  and  three  times 
fired  against  a  column  advancing  through  a  nar- 
row street,  should  not  have  effected  greater  in- 
jury. Of  the  number  woundsd  was  Lieutenant 
Floarnoy,  a  promising  young  man,  who,  having  gone 
out  as  a  volunteer,  was,  on  account  of  his  merit, 
promoted  to  a  lieutenancy  in  the  forty-fourth  Unit  3d 
17 


194  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOxV. 

States'  regiment.  By  a  cannon  shot  he  lost  his  Ic^. 
Captain  Laval,  being  too  dangerously  injured  to  be 
removed,  was  confided  by  the  general  to  the  clem- 
ency of  the  governor  of  Pensacola,  who  humanely 
gave  him  that  attention  his  situation  required. 

The  Indian  warriors,  who  had  taken  refnge  in 
Pensacola,  finding  themselves  abandoned  by  the 
British,  fled  across  the  country,  and  sought  safety 
on  the  Appalachicola :  many  were  afforded  shelter 
on  board  the  shipping,  from  which  tliey  were  short- 
ly afterwards  landed,  to  prosecute  the  war  in  their 
own  way.  Jackson  determined  they  should  have 
no  respite  from  danger,  so  long  as  a  warlike  atti- 
tude was  preserved.  Recent  events  had  shown 
them,  that  neither  the  valour  of  tlieir  allies,  nor 
their  own  pxertions,  could  afford  them  protection. 
He  believed  it  an  auspicious  moment  to  pursue  them 
m  their  retreat ;  increase  still  further  their  appre- 
hensions ;  and  effectually  cut  up  that  misplaced  con- 
fidence, which  had  already  well  nigh  proved  their 
ruin.  Understanding  that  those  who  had  been  car- 
ried off  from  Pensacola  had  been  landed  on  the  Ap- 
palachicola, and  a  depot  of  all  necessary  supplies 
there  established,  Major  Blue,  of  the  thirty-ninth 
regiment,  was  sent  off,  on  the  16th,  at  the  head  of 
a  thousand  mounted  men,  with  orders  to  follow,  and 
destroy  any  of  their  villages  he  might  find  on  his 
route.  General  M'Intosh,  of  the  Georgia  militia, 
then  in  the  Creek  country,  was  apprized  of  the  des- 
tination, and  directed  to  co-operate,  that  the  sav- 
ages might  bo  dispersed,  before  they  should  have 
It  in  their  power  to  attempt  hostilities  against  the 
frontiers.  Having  effected  this  object,  they  ^\e^e 
ordered  to  repair  to  Mobile,  to  aid  in  its  defence. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  195 

Shortly  after  the  American  army  had  retired,  the 
Spaniards  commenced  rebuildiRfj  Forts  Barrancas 
and  St.  Rose.  Anxious  to  regam  that  confidence 
they  had  justly  forfeited,  the  British  offered  their 
services  to  assist  in  the  re -establishment.  This  of- 
fer was  refused,  and  an  answer  returned  by  the 
governor,  that,  when  assistance  was  in  fact  needed, 
lie  would  make  application  to  his  friend  General 
Jackson. 

Tjiere  was  nothing"  now  so  much  desired  by  the 
general,  as  to  be  able  to  depart  for  New  Orleans 
where  he  apprehended  the  greatest  danger.  He 
had  already  effected  a  partial  security  for  Mobile, 
and  the  inliabitants  on  its  borders  ;  and  such  as  he 
believed  might  be  preserved,  by  proper  vigilance  in 
those  who  were  left  in  command.  He  determined 
to  set  out  on  the  22d  for  the  Mississippi ;  and,  by 
his  exertions,  seek  to  place  the  country  in  such 
a  situation  for  defence  as  the  means  within  his 
reach  W'ould  permit.  His  health  was  still  delicate, 
which  almost  wholly  unfitted  him  for  the  duties  he 
liad  to  encounter  ;  but  his  constant  expectation  of  a 
large  force  appearing  soon  on  the  coast  impelled 
him  to  action.  Added  to  the  fatigues  incident  to 
his  station,  he  as  yet  had  no  brigadier-general  in  his 
district  to  relieve  him  of  many  of  those  duties  which 
lie  had  neither  time  nor  bodily  strength  to  meet 
General  Winchester  had  been  ordered  to  join 
him.  He  had  not  yet  arrived,  but  was  daily  look- 
ed for.  In  expectation  of  his  approach,  Jackson 
was  making  every  necessary  arrangement  for  in- 
vesting him  with  the  command  of  Mobile,  and  for 
his  own  departure.  Colonel  Hayne,  the  inspector- 
general,  was  despatched  to  the  mouth  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, to  examine  whether  in  that  direction  there 


196  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

were  any  eligible  site,  where,  by  erecting  batter- 
ies, the  river  might  be  commanded,  and  an  ascent 
prevented,  if  through  this  route  attempted.  Gene- 
ral Coffee  and  Colonel  Hinds,  with  the  dragoons 
from  the  territory,  were  ordered  to  march  with  their 
commands,  and  take  a  position  as  convenient  to 
New  Orleans  as  they  could  obtain  a  sufficiency  of 
forage  to  recruit  their  horses.  Every  thing  being 
arranged,  and  intelligence  received  that  General 
Winchester  had  reached  the  Alabama  river,  Jack- 
son, on  the  22d  day  of  November,  left  Mobile  for 
the  city  of  New  Orleans,  where  he  arrived  on  the 
1st  of  December;  and  where  his  head-quarters 
were,  for  the  present,  established. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL       ACKSON.  197 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Jcjcksf*n^s  correspondence  vnth  the  governor  of  Louisiina.  —His 
aadress  lo  the  citizens. — Militia  from  Tennessee  and  KeiduclOi 
advance  ;  and  general  plans  adopted  for  defence. — Plan  for  fill 
ing  delinquencies  in  the  army. — British  sliipiping  arrive  on  ilie 
coast. — Loss  of  t'ne  Sea  Horse. — Battle  on  the  Like,  and  loss  oj 
the  gun-boats. — Jackson  reviews  the  militia. — His  address  to 
them. — Detention  of  his  fag. — Anecdote. — E.vpresses  salt  to 
GeneraJ-s  Coffee  and  Carroll. — Declaration  of  martial  law  at 
New  Orleans. —  The  British  effect  a  landing,  and  Jac/cson  pre- 
pares to  meet  tliem. 

General  Jackson  was  now  on  a  new  theatre :  the 
time  had  arrived  to  call  forth  all  his  energies.  His 
military  career,  from  its  commencement,  liad  been 
obstructed,  but  far  greater  difficulties  were  now  ris- 
ing. His  body  worn  down  by  exhaustion,  with  a  mind 
alive  to  the  apprehension,  that  the  means  given  him 
would  not  satisfy  his  own  wishes  and  the  expecta- 
tions of  Iiis  country,  were  circumstances  calculated 
to  depress  him.  He  was  without  sufficient  strength 
or  preparation  to  attempt  successful  opposition 
against  well-trained  troops,  which  were  expected 
at  some  unprepared  point. 

Louisiana,  he  well  knew,  was  ill  supplied  with 
arms,  and  contained  a  mixed  population,  of  different 
tongues,  who,  perhaps,  felt  not  a  sufficient  attach- 
ment for  the  soil  or  government,  to  be  induced  to 
defend  them.  No  troops,  arms  or  ammunition  had 
yet  descended  from  the  states  of  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee.  His  only  reliance  for  defence,  if  sud- 
denly assailed,  was  on  a  few  regulars,  the  volun- 
teers of  General  Coffee,  and  such  troops  as  the 
Btate  could  furnish.  What  might  bo  the  final  re 
17* 


193  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

suit  of  thino^s  was  not  a  matter  difficult  to  conjee 
ture.  His  principal  fears  at  present  were,  that 
Mobile  might  fall,  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi 
be  gained,  all  communication  with  the  western  states 
cut  off,  and  New  Orleans  be  thus  unavoidably  re- 
duced. Although  agitated  by  such  forebodings,  ho. 
breathed  his  fears  to  none.  Closely  locking  all 
apprehensions  in  his  own  breast,  he  appeared  con- 
stantly serene,  and  as  constantly  endeavoured  to 
nnpress  a  general  belief,  that  the  country  could  and 
would  be  defended. 

While  engaged  in  his  operations  on  the  Mobile, 
and  even  while  at  Fort  Jackson,  he  had  kept  up  a 
correspondence  with  the  governor  of  Louisiana, 
urging  hmi  to  the  adoption  of  such  measures  as 
might  give  security  to  the  state.  From  his  informa- 
tion, he  felt  assured,  that  little  reliance  was  to  be 
placed  on  the  great  body  of  the  citizens ;  and  that, 
to  gain  any  decisive  advantages  from  their  services, 
it  would  be  necessary  to  abandon  temporizing  pol- 
icy, and  pursue  a  course  steady  and  unwavering. 
Many  of  the  inhabitants  indulging  a  belief  that 
Florida  would  be  restored  to  Spain,  had  led  well 
designing  men  astray ;  while  Englishmen,  Span- 
iards, and  other  foreigners,  feeling  no  attachment  to 
the  government  under  which  they  lived,  were  ready 
to  surrender  it  to  any  power.  The  requisition 
made  had  been  badly  filled  ;  many  had  refused,  af- 
ter being  drafted,  to  enter  the  ranks.  At  so  event- 
ful a  crisis,  it  was  painful  to  discover  so  great  a 
want  of  union,  and  disregard  of  duty 

Governor  Claiborne  had  been  addressed  on  this 
subject:  "I  regret,"  said  Jackson,  "to  Iiear  of  the 
discontents  of  your  people:  they  must  not  exist. 
Whoever  is  not  for  us,  is  against  us.    Those  who  are 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  I9S 

drafted  mu-st  be  compelled  to  thiO  ranks,  or  punish 
ed :  it  is  no  time  to  balance :  the  country  must  be 
defended  ;  and  he  who  refuses  to  aid,  when  called 
on,  must  be  treated  with  severity.  To  repel  the 
danger  with  which  we  are  assailed,  requires  all 
our  energies,  and  all  our  exertions.  With  union 
on  our  side,  we  shall  be  able  to  drive  our  invaders 
back  to  the  ocean.  Summon  all  your  energy,  and 
guard  every  avenue  with  confidential  patroles,  for 
spies  and  traitors  are  swarming  around.  Numbers 
will  be  flocking  to  your  city,  to  gain  information, 
and  corrupt  your  citizens.  Every  aid  in  your  power 
must  be  given  to  prevent  vessels  sailing  with  pro- 
visions. By  us  the  enemy  must  not  be  fed.  Let 
none  pass  ;  for  on  this  will  depend  our  safety,  until 
we  can  get  a  competent  force  in  the  field,  to  oppose 
attack,  or  to  become  the  assailants.  We  have  more 
to  dread  from  intestine,  than  open  and  avowed  ene- 
mies: but  vigilance  on  our  side,  and  all  will  be 
safe.  Remember,  our  w^atch  word  is  victory  or 
death.  Our  country  must  and  shall  be  defended. 
We  will  enjoy  our  liberty,  or  perish  in  the  lasl 
ditch." 

He  forwarded  an  address  to  the  people  of  Louisi 
ana,  to  excite  them  to  a  defence  of  their  rights  and 
liberties,  and  to  raise  in  their  minds  an  abhorrence 
of  a,n  enemy.  He  pointed  out  the  course  the  pres- 
ent crisis  required  them  to  adopt,  and  entreated 
them  not  to  be  lured  from  their  fidelity. 

"  Your  government,  Louisianians,  is  engaged  in 
a  just  and  honourable  contest,  for  the  security  of 
your  individual,  and  her  national  rights.  The  only 
country  on  earth,  where  man  enjoys  freedom,  where 
its  blessings  are  alike  extended  to  the  poor  and 


£00  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

rich,  calls  on  you  to  protect  her  from  the  grasping 
usurpation  of  Britain: — she  will  not  call  in  vain 
I  know  that  every  man,  whose  bosom  beats  high  at 
the  proud  title  of  freeman,  will  promptly  obey  her 
voice,  and  rally  round  the  eagles  of  his  country 
resolved  to  rescue  her  from  impending  danger,  or 
nobly  to  die  in  her  defence.  He  who  refuses  to 
defend  his  rights,  when  called  on  by  his  govern- 
ment, deserves  to  be  a  slave — deserves  to  be 
punished  as  an  enemy  to  his  country — a  friend  to 
her  foes." 

The  people  of  Louisiana  were  gradually  turned 
to  consider  the  contest,  in  which  it  was  expected 
they  were  to  be  engaged,  that  they  might  be  pre- 
pared to  meet  it,  when  necessary.  Preparations 
for  collecting,  in  sufficient  strength,  to  repel  an  in- 
vasion, when  it  should  be  attempted,  had  been  car- 
ried actively  forward.  The  fiat  of  the  secretary 
of  war  had  been  issued  to  the  governors  of  the  ad- 
joming  states  ;  and  Jackson  had  long  since  anx- 
iously pressed  them  to  hasten  the  execution  of  tlie 
order,  and  push  their  forces  to  the  place  of  danger. 
The  ardour  felt  by  the  governor  of  Tennessee 
rendered  any  incentive  unnecessary.  He  w^as  well 
aware  of  the  importance  of  activity,  and  had  used 
all  the  authority  of  his  ofPxe  to  call  the  requisition 
forth,  and  have  it  in  readiness. 

Governor  Shelby,  of  Kentucky,  had  been  no  less 
vigilant.  The  necessity  of  despatch  in  military 
matters,  and  the  advantages  resulting  from  it,  in  his 
youth  and  more  advanced  age,  he  had  learned  in 
the  field  of  battle.  The  troops  from  his  state  were 
immediately  organized,  placed  under  the  com- 
mand  o^  Major- General  Thomas,  and  directetl  *9 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOX.  201 

proceed  down  the  Ohio.*  It  may  be  esteen  ed  a 
circumstance  of  good  fortune,  that  Shelby  should 
have  been  the  chief  magistrate  of  Kentucky  ;  a 
state  possessing  ample  resources,  and  which  might 
have  slumbered  in  inaction,  but  for  the  energ-v  of 
him.  He  did  not  remain  contented  with  a  dis- 
charge merely  of  those  duties  w^hich  were  imposed 
on  him  by  his  office  ;  but,  feeling  the  ardour  of  his 
youth  revived,  excited  his  citizens,  and  inspirited 
them  by  his  own  example.  The  promptitude  vvith 
v.'hich  they  crowded  to  the  American  standard,  at 
the  first  danger,  enduring  cold,  hunger,  and  priva- 
tion, should  be  remembered,  and  entitle  her  citizens 
to  tlie  gratitude  of  the  country. 

William  Carroll,  who,  on  the  promotion  of  .Tack- 
son  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  had  been  ap- 
pointed a  major-general  of  Tennessee  militia,  was 
to  command  the  requisition  intended  to  be  marched 
from  the  state.  He  had  issued  orders  to  his  divi- 
sion, and,  on  the  19th  of  November,  twenty-five 
hundred  of  the  ^'eomanry  of  the  state  appeared  at 
Nashville,  and,  in  eight  days,  embarked  on  board 
their  boats  for  New  Orleans.  To  the  industry  of 
General  Carroll  every  respect  is  due  ;  for,  to  his 
fortunate  arrival,  as  will  be  seen  hereafter,  is  to  be 
attributed  the  reason  that  success  did  not  result  to 
the  enemy,  in  his  first  assault,  or  that  Louisiana 
escaped  the  impending  danger. 

The  militia,  now  organized,  from  two  states, 
were  respectable  for  their  numbers,  and  vrere  com- 

*  When  this  requisition  was  ready  to  proceed,  the  state  of  ihf 
qviarter-master's  department  was  discovered  to  be  wholly  inade 
quale  to  those  oullils  and  supplies  necessary  to  its  departure 
Tlius  situated,  individuals  of  ine  slate  caiite  forward,  jledjjcc 
thoir  funds,  and  enabled  it  to  advance. 


2C2  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

mandod  hy  officers  who  carried  with  them  entire 
contidence  In  bravery,  they  were  not  surpassed  j 
yet  they  were  without  experience  or  discipline,  and 
indifierently  armed.  Many  had  procured  muskets 
and  bayonets  ;  though  the  greater  part  of  them  had 
arms  capable  of  rendering  little  or  no  service ; 
while  some  had  rone  at  all.  To  remedy  their  want 
cf  discipline  was  attended  with  some  difficulty,  on 
account  of  the  slender  means  afforded  for  instruc- 
tion, while,  in  boats,  they  were  descending  the  river. 
Carroll's  anxiety,  however,  for  the  respectable  ap- 
pearance of  his  troops,  and  a  still  stronger  desire 
entertained,  that  they  miglit  be  in  a  situation  for 
immediate  action,  if  necessity,  on  his  arrival,  should 
require  it,  led  him  to  seize  even  on  the  liniited 
opportunities  for  improvement. 

Although  General  Jackson  had  obtained  his  suc- 
cesses heretofore  with  troops  of  this  description,  yet 
lie  was  far  from  entertaining  a  belief  they  could  be 
relied  on  for  mancBuvring  in  an  open  field,  against 
troops  inured  to  war.  None  knew  better  the  point  of 
exertion  to  which  militia  could  be  strained.  In  a 
letter  to  the  secretary  of  war,  of  the  20tli  of  Novem- 
ber, 1814,  he  observes,  "  Permit  me  to  suggest  a 
plan,  which,  on  a  fair  experiment,  will  do  away  or 
lessen  the  expenses,  under  the  existing  mode  of  call- 
ing militia  forces  into  the  field.  Whenever  there 
happens  to  be  a  deficiency  in  the  regular  force,  in 
any  particular  quarter,  let  the  government  determine 
on  the  necessary  number:  this  should  be  apportioned 
among  the  different  states,  agreeably  to  their  respec- 
tive representations,  and  called  into  service  for,  and 
during  the  war.  The  quota  wanted  will,  in  my 
opinion,  be  soon  raised  from  premiums  offered  by 
tiiose  who  are  subject  to  militia  duty,  rather  tliaiibe 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON  203 

harassed  by  repeated  drafts.  In  the  mean  time,  lot 
the  present  bounty,  given  by  the  government,  be  altio 
continued.  If  this  be  done,  I  will  ensure  that  an 
effective  force  shall  soon  appear  in  every  quarter, 
amply  sufficient  for  the  reduction  of  Canada,  and 
to  drive  all  our  enemies  from  our  shores." 

Such  were  the  course  of  things,  and  such  the 
plans  in  progress  for  the  safety  of  the  country, 
when  the  general  reached  New  Orleans. 

The  legislature  of  Louisiana  had  for  some  weeks 
been  in  session  ;  and,  through  the  governor's  com- 
munication, informed  of  the  situation,  condition  and 
strength  of  the  country,  and  of  the  necessity  of 
calling  all  its  resources  into  operation  ;  but,  balanc- 
ing in  their  decisions,  and  uncertain  of  the  best 
course  to  be  pursued,  they,  as  yet,  had  resolved 
upon  nothing.  The  arrival  of  Jackson,  however, 
produced  a  new  aspect  in  affairs.  His  activity  in 
preparation,  and  his  reputation  as  a  brave  and  skil- 
ful commander,  had  turned  all  eyes  towards  him, 
and  inspired  even  the  desponding  with  confidence. 

The  volunteer  corps  of  the  city  were  reviewed, 
and  a  visit,  in  person,  made  to  the  different  forts, 
to  ascertain  their  capacity  for  defence,  and  the  re- 
liance that  might  bo  had  on  them  to  repel  the  ene- 
my's advance.  Through  the  lakes  large  vessels 
"could  not  pass :  should  an  approach  be  attempted 
through  this  route,  in  their  barges,  it  mig}it  be 
opposed  by  the  gun-boats  whicii  guarded  this  pas- 
sage ;  but  if,  unequal  to  the  contest,  they  should  be 
captured,  it  would  give  timely  information  of  a 
descent,  which  might  be  resisted  at  tlieir  landing, 
and  before  any  opportunity  could  be  had  of  execut- 
ing fully  their  designs.  Up  the  Mississippi,  how- 
ever, was  looked  upon  as  the  most  probable  pas.Sj 


204  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

through  which  might  be  made  an  attempt  to  reach 
the  city :  and  here  were  in  progress  suitable  prep- 
arations  for  defence. 

We  have  already  noticed,  that  Colonel  Hayno 
nad  been  despatched  from  Mobile  with  directions  to 
view  the  Mississippi  near  its  mouth,  and  report  it 
any  advantageous  position  could  be  found  for  the 
erection  of  batteries ;  and  whether  the  re-establish- 
ment of  the  old  fort  at  tlie  Balize  would  command 
the  river,  in  a  way  to  prevent  its  being  ascended. 
That  it  could  not  be  relied  on  for  this  purpose,  the 
opinions  of  military  men  had  already  declared 
General  Jackson  was  disposed  to  respect  the  de- 
cisions of  those  who  were  entitled  to  confidence  , 
yet,  in  matters  of  great  importance,  it  formed  no 
part  of  his^  creed  to  attach  his  faith  to  the  state- 
ments of  any,  where,  the  object  being  within  his 
reach,  it  was  in  his  power  to  look  to  the  fact,  and 
satisfy  himself.  Trusting  implicitly  in  Colonel 
Hayne  as  a  military  man,  he  had  despatched  him 
thither  to  examine  how  far  it  was  practicable  to 
obstruct  and  secure  this  channel.  His  report  was 
confirmatory  of  the  previous  information  received, 
that  it  was  incapable,  from  its  situation,  of  effecting 
any  such  object. 

Fort  St.  Philip  was  now  resorted  to  as  the  lowest 
point  on  the  river  where  the  erection  of  a  fortifica- 
tion could  be  at  ail  serviceable.  The  general  had 
returned  to  New  Orleans  on  the  9th,  from  a  visit 
to  this  place,  which  he  had  ordered  to  be  repaired. 
The  commanding  officer  was  directed  to  remove 
every  combustible  material  without  the  fort;  to 
have  two  additional  platforms  immediately  raised; 
and  the  embrasures  so  enlarged  that  the  ordnance 
might  have  the  greatest  possible  sweep  upon  tlicir 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  205 

circles,  and  be  brought  to  bear  on  any  object  within 
their  range,  that  miglit  approach  either  up  or  down 
the  river.  At  a  small  distance  below,  the  Mississip- 
pi, changing  its  course,  left  a  neck  of  land,  in  the 
bend,  covered  with  timber,  which  obstructed  the 
view.  From  this  point  down  to  where  old  Fort 
Bourbon  stood,  on  the  west  side,  the  growth  along 
the  bank  was  ordered  to  be  cut  away,  that  the  shot 
from  St.  Philip,  ranging  across  this  point  of  land, 
might  reach  an  approaching  vessel  before  she  should 
be  unmasked  from  behind  it.  On  the  site  of  Bour- 
bon was  to  be  thrown  up  a  strong  work,  defended 
by  five  twenty-four  pounders,  which,  with  the  fori 
above,  would  be  calculated  to  expose  an  enemy  to 
a  cross  fire,  for  half  a  mile.  A  mile  above  St. 
Philip  was  to  be  established  a  work,  which,  in  con- 
junction with  the  others,  would  efiectually  command 
the  river  for  two  miles.  At  Terre  au  Boeuf,  and  at 
the  English  Turn,  twelve  miles  below  the  city,  wcr^ 
also  to  be  taken  measures  for  defence  ;  where  it 
was  expected  by  Jackson,  with  his  flying  artillery 
and  fire  ships,  he  would  be  able  certainly  to  arrest 
the  enemy's  advance.  This  system  of  defence, 
properly  established,  he  believed,  would  ensure  se- 
curity from  any  attack  in  this  direction.  Fort  St. 
Philip,  with  the  auxiliary  batteries  above  and  below 
it,  would  so  concentrate  their  fires,  that  an  enemy 
could  never  pass  without  suffering  greatly,  and,  per- 
haps, being  so  shattered  that  they  would  fall  an 
easy  prey  to  those  defences  which  were  still  higher 
up  the  river.  The  essential  difficulty  was  to  have 
them  speedily  finished.  On  returning,  he  hastened 
to  apprize  the  governor  of  his  views,  and  of  his 
arrangements,  and  entreated  him  to  aid  in  their 
furtherance.  It  was  proposed  to  submit  it  to  the 
18 


206  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

consideration  of  tlie  legislature,  and  to  prevail,  if 
possible,  with  the  planters  to  furnish  tlieir  slaves, 
by  whom,  alone,  such  work  could,  in  so  insalubrious 
a  climate,  be  safely  executed.  "If  what  is  pro- 
jtosed  be  performed,"  said  he,  "I  will  stand  pledged 
that  the  invaders  of  your  state  shall  never,  through 
this  route,  reach  your  city."  He  desired  to  be  in- 
formed, early,  of  the  success  of  the  application, 
and  to  know  how  far  the  legislature  would  be  dis- 
posed to  extend  their  fostering  care  to  the  objects 
suggested ;  that,  in  the  event  of  failure,  he  might 
have  recourse  to  such  resources  as  were  within  his 
reach.  "  But,"  added  he,  "  not  a  moment  is  to  be 
lost.  With  energy  and  expedition,  all  is  safe : — 
delay,  and  all  is  lost." 

The  plans  of  operation  and  defence  were  f»ro- 
jecting  on  an  extensive  scale.  The  only  objects  of 
fear  were  the  disatfected  who  infested  the  city : 
and  to  these,  after  the  most  mcessant  exertions,  he 
had  well  nigh  fallen  a  victim. 

On  Lakes  Borgne  and  Pontchartrain  an  equally 
strong  confidence  was  had  that  all  would  be  safe 
from  invasion.  Connnodore  Patterson,  who  com- 
manded the  naval  forces,  had  executed  every  order 
with  promptness.  Agreeably  to  instructions  from 
the  general,  to  extend  to  all  the  passes  on  the  lakes 
every  protection  in  his  power,  lie  had  sent  out  the 
gun-boats,  under  Lieutenant  Jones.  From  their 
capability  to  defend,  great  advantages  were  calcu- 
lated to  arise ;  added  to  which,  the  Rigolets,  the 
communication  between  the  two  lakes,  was  defend- 
ed by  Petit  Coquille  Fort,  a  strong  work,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Newman,  wliich,  when  acting 
in  conjunction  with  the  gun-boats,  it  was  supposed, 
would  Oe  competent  to  repel  any  as^ult     Guard? 


LIFE    OF"  GENERAL    JACKSON.  207 

and  videttes  were  also  posted  in  different  directions 
to  give  the  earliest  information  of  every  thing  that 
passed.  In  despite,  however,  of  these  precaution 
ary  measures,  treachery  opened  a  way,  and  pointed 
the  entrance  of  the  enemy  to  a  narrow  pass, 
tiirough  which  they  effected  a  landing,  and  readied 
previously  to  being  discovered,  the  banks  of  tlie 
Mississippi. 

Such  were  the  measures  adopted  for  the  protec- 
tion of  Louisiana  against  an  attack.  Information 
of  a  considerable  force  having  left  England  filled 
with  high  expectations,  the  attack  on  Fort  Bow- 
yer,  and  the  inflammatory  proclamations  alread} 
published,  with  anonymous  letters  received  from 
persons  in  the  West  Indies  and  Pensacola,  tended 
to  unfold  the  views  of  the  enemy,  and  to  dissipate 
every  thing  of  doubt  as  to  their  designs.  But  the 
lime  was  at  hand  when  conjecture  was  giving 
place  to  certainty;  when  the  intentions  of  the  in- 
vaders  were  fully  developing  themselves,  and  the 
fact  fairly  presented,  that  Louisiana  must  fall,  ana 
her  principal  city  be  sacked,  unless  the  brave  men 
associated  to  defend  her  should  stand  firmly  in  her 
defence.  Certain  information  was  at  hand  of  an 
English  fleet  being  off  Cat  and  Ship  Islands,  and 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  American  lines, 
where  their  numbers  were  daily  increasing. 

Lieutenant  Jones,  in  command  of  the  gun-boat3 
on  Lake  Borgne,  was  directed  to  reconnoitre,  and 
ascertain  their  disposition  and  force  ;  and,  in  the 
event  they  should  attempt,  through  this  route,  to 
effect  a  disembarkation,  to  retire  to  the  Rigolets. 
and  there,  with  his  flotilla,  contend  to  the  last. 
He  remained  off  Ship  Island  until  the  12th  of  De- 
cember, wlien,  understanding  the   enemy's  foicea 


208  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

were  much  increased,  he  thought  it  advisable  to 
change  his  anchorage  to  a  position  near  Malheur- 
eux  Island  This  was  rendered  necessary,  because 
it  was  a  safer  position,  in  the  event  of  being  attack- 
ed. Whoever  looks  upon  a  map  of  the  country 
will  discover  the  importance  of  this  place  if  driven 
into  action  with  a  greatly  superior  force.  This, 
and  Chef  Menteur,  which  unite  at  the  entrance  to 
the  lake,  and  form  a  narrow  channel,  constitutes 
the  only  pass  into  Pontcliartrain.  By  reaching  it, 
the  gun-boats  would  be  enabled  to  present  a  formi- 
dable opposition. 

On  the  13th,  Jones  discovered  the  enemy  mov- 
ing off  in  his  barges  towards  Pass  Christian.  Ilis 
orders  left  him  no  discretion  as  to  the  place  hs 
should  fight  then*  Indeed,  his  flotilla,  although 
quite  incorfeiderable.  was  of  too  much  consequence 
to  the  nation,  at  this  juncture,  to  be  risked  at  all, 
unless  under  circumstances  giving  a  decided  supe- 
riority. In  no  other  way  was  this  to  be  obtained, 
than  by  reaching  the  point  to  which  he  had  been 
ordered :  this  he  endeavoured  to  effect,  as  he  be- 
came satisfied  of  what  was  intended  by  their  move- 
ment. Weighing  his  anchors,  with  the  design  of 
reaching  the  position  referred  to  in  his  orders,  he 
discovered  it  to  be  wholly  impracticable.  A  strong 
wind  having  blown  for  some  das^s  to  the  east,  from 
the  lake  to  the  gulf,  had  so  reduced  the  depth  of 
waier,  that  the  deepest  channels  were  insufficient 
to  float  his  little  squadron.  The  oars  v;cre  resort- 
ed to,  but  without  rendering  the  least  assistance : 
it  was  immoveable.  Every  thing  was  thrown  over- 
board that  could  be  spared,  to  lighten  them  ;  all, 
however,  was  ineffectual.  At  this  moment  of  ex- 
Jcerao  peril,  the   tide  coming  suddenly  in,  relieved 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  209 

them  from  the  shoal,  and  they  came  to  anciior  at 
one  o'clock  the  next  morning  on  the  west  passage 
of  Malheureux  Isle  ;  where,  at  day,  they  discovered 
the  pursuit  had  been  abandoned. 

At  the  bay  of  St.  Louis  was  a  small  depot  of 
public  stores,  which  had,  that  morning,  been  direct- 
ed, by  Xones,  to  be  brought  off.  Mr.  Johnston,  on 
board  the  Sea  Horse,  proceeded  in  the  execution 
of  this  order.  The  enemy,  on  the  retreat  of  Jones, 
despatched  three  of  their  barges  to  capture  him  ; 
but,  unable  to  effect  it,  they  were  driven  back.  An 
additional  force  now  proceeded  against  him  ;  when 
a  smart  action  commenced,  and  the  assailants  were 
again  compelled  to  retire  with  some  loss.  John- 
ston, satisfied  that  it  was  out  of  his  power  to  defend 
himself,  and  considering  it  hopeless  to  attempt  unit 
ing,  in  face  of  so  large  a  force,  with  the  gun 
boats  off  Malheureux  Island,  blew  up  his  vessel, 
burnt  the  stores,  and  effected  his  retreat  by  land, 
in  conformity  to  the  instructions  he  had  received. 
A  prodigious  explosion  assured  Jones  of  the  proba- 
ble step  that  had  been  taken,  and  of  the  execution 
of  the  order. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  the  enemy's 
barges,  about  nine  miles  to  the  east,  suddenly 
weighed  their  anchors ;  and,  getting  under  way, 
proceeded  westwardly  to  the  pass,  where  our  gun- 
boats still  lay.  The  same  difficulty  experienced 
yesterday  was  now  encountered.  Perceiving  the 
approach  of  the  enemy's  flotilla,  an  attempt  was 
xnade  to  retreat ;  but  in  vain.  The  wind  was  env 
iirely  lulled,  and  a  perfect  calm  prevailed  ;  while  a 
strong  current,  setting  to  the  gulf,  rendered  every 
effort  to  retire  unavailing.  No  alternative  was  at 
hand ;  but  a  single  course  was  left, — to  meet  and 
18* 


210  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

fight  them.  At  once  the  resolution  was  adopted, 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  best  position  they  could 
obtain,  wait  their  approach,  and  defend  themselves, 
whilst  there  was  a  hope  of  success.  The  line  was 
formed,  with  springs  on  the  cables,  and  all  were 
waiting  the  arrival  of  a  foe,  who  imagined  himself 
advancing  to  an  easy  conquest.  The  contest,  in  so 
open  a  situation,  and  against  such  superior  force, 
promised  to  be  very  unequal ;  yet  the  bravery, 
v/hich  had  always  characterized  our  fearless  tars 
in  battle,  was,  on  this  occasion,  not  to  be  tarnished. 
Forty-three  boats,  mounting  as  many  cannon, 
with  twelve  hundred  chosen  men,  well  armed,  con- 
stituted the  strength  of  the  assailants.  Advancing 
in  extended  line,  they  were  presently  in  reach  ;  and, 
at  half  after  eleven  o'clock,  commencing  a  fire,  the 
action  sooil  became  general.  Owing  to  a  strong 
current,  setting  out  to  the  east,  two  of  the  boats, 
numbers  156  and  163,  were  unable  to  keep  their 
anchorage,  and  floated  about  a  liundred  yards  in 
advance  of  the  line.  This  circumstance  was  un- 
fortunate ;  for,  although  it  was  by  no  means  to  be 
calculated,  that  victory  could  be  attendant  on  a  con- 
flict where  strength  and  numbers  were  so  dispro- 
portionate, yet,  could  the  line  have  been  preserved 
the  chances  for  defence  would  have  been  increased, 
the  opportunity  more  favourable  for  inflicting  injury 
and  crippling  the  foe,  while  the  period  of  the  con- 
test would  have  been  protracted.  Every  momeri 
this  could  have  been  prolonged  would  have  proved 
advantageous  ;  for,  soon  as  the  wind  sliould  spring 
jp,  which  yet  continued  lulled,  tlie  boats  would  be 
more  manageable,  and  an  opportunity  afforded  of 
retiring  from  the  battle  whenever  the  result  became 
disastrous. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  211 

The  enemy,  relying  on  their  numbers,  advanced 
ill  three  divisions.  Our  gun-boats,  formed  in  a  line, 
were  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Jones,  who, 
on  board  No.  156,  occupied  the  centre.  No.  162 
and  163  rested  on  his  left,  under  the  direction  ot 
Lieutenant  Spedden  and  Sailing-master  Ulrich  ;  on 
his  right  were  No.  5  and  23,  comm.anded  by  Sailing 
master  Ferris  and  Lieutenant  M'lver.  The  centre 
division  of  the  enemy,  led  by  the  senior  officer  of 
the  expedition,  Captain  Lockyer,  bore  down  on  No. 
156,  the  centre  of  our  line,  and,  twice  attempting 
to  board,  was  twice  repulsed  with  an  immense  de- 
struction of  both  officers  and  crew,  and  loss  of  two 
of  their  boats,  which  were  sunk :  one,  a  seventy 
four's  launch,  crowded  with  men,  went  down  im 
mediately  along-side  of  the  gun-boat.  Jones,  being 
too  severely  wounded  longer  to  maintain  the  deck, 
retired,  leaving  the  command  with  George  Parker, 
who  no  less  valiantly  defended  his  flag,  until,  badly 
wounded,  he  was  also  compelled  to  leave  his  post ; 
and  soon  after  the  boat  was  carried.  No.  163, 
though  ably  defended,  was  also  taken ;  and  the 
guns  of  both  turned  on  No.  162  and  5,  which  also 
surrendered  ;  and,  last  of  all,  No.  23,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  M'lver.  Thus  in  detail  was  our  little 
squadron,  after  a  conflict  of  nearly  an  hour,  lost; 
a  conflict  in  which  every  thing  was  done  that  gal- 
lantry could  do,  and  nothing  unperformed  that  duty 
required  ;  but  it  was  a  disaster  which,  under  all 
the  circumstances,  could  not  be  avoided.  The 
calm  which  prevailed,  and  the  unwieldy  condition 
of  the  boats,  prevented  any  management  by  the 
oars. 

The  commandant  was  ably  supported  by  the  offi- 
cers associated  with  him.     Lieutenants  Spedden  and 


212  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

M'lver  were  wounded  ;  the  former  in  bot.h  arms, 
and  in  one  so  severely  as  to  be  compelled  to  have 
it  amputated ;  yet  this  valiant  officer  to  the  last 
continued  his  orders  :  nor  did  the  latter  quit  for  a 
moment  his  post.  Midshipmen  Cauley  and  Rey- 
nolds, young  men  of  promise,  fell  victims  to  the 
wounds  received  in  this  contest.  It  is  unnecessary 
to  take  up  the  time  of  the  reader  in  commendation 
of  this  Spartan  band :  their  bravery  will  be  long 
remembered,  and  excite  emotions  stronger  than 
language  can  paint.  The  great  disparity  of  force 
between  the  combatants  presents  a  curious  result : 
that,  while  the  American  loss  was  but  ten  killed,  and 
thirty-five  wounded,  that  of  their  assailants  was 
not  less  than  three  hundred.  The  British  have 
never  presented  any  report  upon  this  subject:  but, 
from  every  information,  and  from  all  the  attendant 
circumstances  of  the  battle,  it  was  even  believed 
to  have  exceeded  this  number ;  of  which  a  lar^o 
proportion  was  officers.* 

The  British  returned  to  their  shippmg,  at  Cat 
Island,  with  their  prisoners,  with  a  convincing  argu- 
ment,  to  do  away  the  belief  which  they  enter- 
tained, that,  in  this  section  of  country,  the  in- 
habitants were  waiting,  with  open  arms,  to  receive 
them. 

This  disaster  was  announced  to  General  Jackson 
while  on  a  visit  to  the  lakes,  whither  he  had  gone 
to   ex5;nine    the    situation  of  tlie   different  worka 


Boats.  Men.        Gans. 

*  The  British  had        43  1200  43 

'I'hc  Americans  5  182  23 

Difference  33  1018  20 

S«3  tfiat  the  disparity  in  force  of  boaU?,  men,  and  guns,  was  as 
€ig"lit-  -seven — and  nearly  two  to  oi»e. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  2!3 

in  progress.     He  heard  it  with  much  concern ;  fur 
on  it  important  consequences  depended. 

His  fears  for  the  safety  of  Mobile  were  much 
increased.     Although   he  had  every  confidence  in 
the  gallant  officer  who  commanded  at  Fort  Bowyer. 
he  well  knew  how  inefficient  were  the  exertions  oi 
a  brave  man,  when  assailed  by  superior  strength 
The  security  of  this  place  was  of  great  importance. 
His  own  apprehensions  of  an  invasion  here,  as  af- 
fecting the  interest  of  the  lower  country,  was  to 
him  a  cause  of  constant  uneasiness.     He  felt  con 
fident,  while  this  point  remained  safe,  so  might  the 
country  adjacent ;  but,  if  it  fell,  the  Indians  would 
again    be  excited,  the  settlements  on  the    Mobile 
and  Alabama   rivers  become  tributary,    and  New 
Orleans  be  involved  in  the  general  ruin.     Deeply 
impressed  with  the  importance  of  defending  this 
place,  he  had  brought  to  the  view  of  the  secretary 
of  war  the  necessity  of  adopting  such  a  course  as 
should  place  it  entirely  out  of  the  reach  of  danger. 
To   effect  this,   he   proposed  that  a  large  frigate, 
mounting  forty- four  guns,  w^hich,   for  some  cause^ 
had  been  left  on  the  stocks,  at  Tchifonte,  in  an  un- 
finished  state,  should  be  completed.     "Let  her.'' 
he  remarked,  "  be  placed  in  the  Navy  Cove,  which 
will  protect  the  rear  of  the  fort,  and,  my  life  upon 
it,   ten  thousand   troops,    and  all  the  British  fleet, 
cannot  take  the  place,  nor  enter  the  bay.     This 
will  be  their  point  of  attack;  if  carried,  they  will 
penetrate  the  Indian  nation, — there  make  a  stand, 
and  incite  the  ravages  to  war,  and  the  slaves  to  in- 
gurrection  and  massacre; — penetrate,  if  they  can, 
to  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  and  arrest  all 
communication.     If  they  succeed  in  this,  the  lower 
Gountry  falls  of  course."     No  notice,  however,  was 


214  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JA«:KS0N. 

ever  taken  of  his  adiiionition,  and  nothing  done  to 
effect  the  object  proposed.  His  entire  defence  and 
safety  rested  on  the  means  which  he  could  reach. 
An  express  was  despatched  to  General  Winches 
ter,  apprizing  him  of  what  had  happened  ;  that,  all 
communication  being  cut  off,  he  must  look  to  the  pro- 
curing supplies  for  his  army  from  Tennessee  River 
through  the  posts  established  in  the  Creek  country 
"  The  enemy,"  he  continues,  "  will  attempt,  through 
Pass  Huron,  to  reach  you :  watch,  nor  suffer  your 
self  to  be  surprised  ;  haste,  and  throw  sufncient  sup 
plies  iiito  Fort  Bowyer,  and  guard  vigilantly  the 
communication  from  Fort  Jackson,  lest  it  be  de- 
stroyed. Mobile  Point  must  be  supported  and  de- 
fended at  every  hazard.  The  enemy  has  given  ua 
a  large  c^ast  to  guard ;  but  I  trust,  with  the  smiles 
of  Heaven,  to  be  able  to  meet  and  defeat  him  at 
every  point  he  may  venture  his  foot  upon  the  land." 

Increased  vigilance  was  now  required  to  guard 
the  different  routes  through  which  they  might  make 
their  progress,  and  reach  the  object  of  their  visit 
Major  Lacosto,  commanding  the  battalion  of  colour 
ed  troops,  was  ordered,  with  two  pieces  of  cannon 
and  a  sufficient  force,  to  defend  the  Chef  Menteur 
road,  that  led  from  the  head  of  Lake  Borgne  to  New 
Orleans.  In  fact,  wherever  an  inlet  or  creek,  of 
the  smallest  size,  justified  the  belief,  that  through 
it  an  entrance  might  be  effected,  arrangements 
were  made  to  prevent  approach.  Through  the  Rigo- 
lets  was  presumed  the  most  probable  route  the 
enemy  would  adventuro,  that,  by  gaining  LakePont- 
chartrain,  a  landing  might  be  made  above  or  below 
the  city,  or  at  Bayou  St.  John,  directly  opposite. 

This   pla  e  had  been  confided  to  Captain  New- 
man, of  the  artillery.     It  was  an  important  point, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  215 

as  well  for  the  purposes  already  named,  as  be'ng  a 
position  whence  any  movement  on  the  lakes  could 
be  discovered.  On  the  22d,  it  was  re-enforced  by 
several  heavy  pieces  of  cannon,  and  an  additional 
supply  of  men.  He  was  advised  by  the  general 
of  tne  consequence  attached  to  it,  and  that  it  wag 
not  to  be  inconsiderately  yielded  ;  but  that,  in  the 
event  of  his  being  compelled  to  abandon  it,  every 
thing  being  properly  secured,  he  was  to  make  good 
his  retreat  to  Chef  Menteur,  v/here  he  would  be 
covered  by  an  additional  force :  "  But,"  added  he, 
"  you  are  not  to  retreat  until  your  judgment  is  well 
convinced  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  the  very 
salvation  of  your  command." 

On  the  16th  the  militia  were  reviewed  by  Jack- 
son. He  had  perceved,  on  his  arrival  at  New 
Orleans,  such  despondency  manifested  by  the  peo- 
ple, that  to  remove  it  had  called  forth  all  his  exer- 
tions. His  incessant  endeavours  to  have  defended 
every  accessible  point,  and  a  confidence,  constantly 
evinced,  that  his  resources  were  commensurate  with 
all  the  purposes  of  successfdl  resistance,  had  com- 
pletely undermined  those  fears,  at  first  so  generally 
indulged.  Lest,  from  the  loss  which  had  lately  hap- 
pened on  the  lakes,  a  similar  state  of  doubt  might 
be  again  produced,  was  the  principal  cause  of  ap- 
pearing before  them  to-day  on  review ;  to  convince 
them,  by  his  deportment,  that  the  safety  of  tlie  city 
was  not  to  be  despa.ired  of.  He  directed  an  ad- 
dress to  be  read  to  them.  It  was  drawn  in  Ian 
guage  breathing  the  warmth  of  his  ov/n  feelings, 
and  well  calculated  to  inspire  the  same  glow  to 
others.  He  told  them  they  were  contending  for  all 
that  could  render  life  desirable — "  for  your  property 
and  lives ; — for  those  who  are  dearer  than  all,  your 


216  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

wives  and  children  ; — for  liberty,  without  wliich, 
c  ountry,  life  and  property  are  not  worth  possessing 
Even  the  embraces  of  wives  and  children  are  a 
reproach  to  the  wretch  who  would  deprive  them, 
by  his  cowardice,  of  those  inestimable  blessings. 
You  are  to  contend  with  an  enemy,  who  seeks  to 
deprive  you  of  the  least  of  these — who  avows  a 
war  of  desolation,  marked  by  cruelties,  lusts,  and 
horrors,  unknown  to  civilized  nations." 

That  the  hour  of  attack  was  not  distant  was  con- 
firmed by  a  circumstance  which  reflects  no  consid- 
erable honour  cu  tlie  officer  in  command  of  the 
fleet.  The  day  subsequent  to  the  contest  on  the 
lakes,  Mr.  Shields,  purser  in  the  navy,  had  been 
despatched  with  a  flag  to  Cat  Island,  accompanied 
by  Dr.  Murrell,  for  the  purpose  of  alleviating  the 
situation  of  our  wounded,  and  to  effect  a  negotia- 
tion, by  which  they  should  be  liberated  on  parole. 
We  are  not  aware  that  such  an  application  militat- 
ed against  the  usages  of  war  :  if  not,  the  flag  of 
truce  should  have  been  respected ;  nor  ought  ita 
bearer  to  have  been  detained  as  a  prisoner.  Ad- 
miral Cochrane's  pretended  fear  tliat  it  was  a  wile, 
designed  to  ascertain  his  strength  and  situation,  is 
far  from  presenting  any  sufficient  excuse  for  so 
wanton  an  outrage  on  the  rules  of  war.  If  this 
were  apprehended,  could  not  the  messengers  have 
been  met  at  a  distance  from  the  fleet,  and  ordered 
back  without  a  near  approach  ?  Had  this  been 
done,  no  information  could  have  been  gained,  and 
the  object  designed  to  be  secured  by  the  detention 
would  have  been  answered,  without  infringing  that 
amicable  intercourse  between  contending  armies, 
which,  when  disregarded,  opens  a  door  to  brutal 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON  217 

md  savage  warfare.     Finding  they  did  not  return, 
tlie  cause  of  it  was  at  once  correctly  divined. 

The  British  admiral  resorted  to  various  means  to 
obtain  from  these  gentlemen  information  of  the 
Btrejigtli  and  disposition  of  our  army ;  but  so  cau- 
tious a  reserve  was  maintained,  that  nothing  could  be 
elicited.  Shields  was  perceived  to  be  quite  deaf, 
and,  calculating  on  some  advantage  to  be  derived 
from  this  circumstance,  he  and  the  doctor  were 
placed  at  night  in  the  green  room,  where  any  conver- 
sation which  occurred  between  them  could  readily  be 
heard.  Suspecting  something  of  the  kind,  after  hav- 
ing retired,  and  every  thing  was  seemingly  still,  they 
began  to  speak  of  their  situation — the  circumstance 
of  their  being  detained,  and  of  the  prudent  caution 
with  which  they  had  guarded  themselves  against 
communicating  any  information  to  the  British  admi- 
ral. "  But,"  continued  Shields,  "  how  greatly  these 
gentlemen  will  be  disappointed  in  their  expecta- 
tions !  for  Jackson,  with  the  twenty  thousand  troops 
he  now  has,  and  the  re-enforcements  from  Kentucky, 
which  must  speedily  reach  him,  will  be  able  to  de- 
stroy any  force  that  can  be  landed  from  these  ships." 
Every  word  was  heard,  and  treasured  ;  and,  not  sup- 
posing there  was  any  design,  or  that  he  presumed 
himself  overheard,  they  were  beguiled  by  it,  and  at 
once  concluded  our  force  to  be  as  great  as  it  was 
represented. 

Early  on  the  15th,  the  morning  after  the  battle 
on  the  lake,  expresses  were  sent  up  the  coast,  in 
quest  of  General  Coffee,  to  procuie  rnformation  of 
the  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  divisions,  which,  it 
was  hoped,  were  not  far  distant.  In  his  communi- 
cation to  Coffee,  the  general  observes,  "You  must 
not  sleep  until  jxju  reach  me,  or  arrive  within  strik- 
19 


213  LIFE    or    GENERAL    JACKSOX 

\ng  distance.  Your  accustomed  activity  is  looked 
for.  Innumerable  defiles  present  themselves,  where 
your  services  and  riflemen  will  be  all-important. 
An  opportunity  is  at  hand,  to  reap  for  yourself  and 
brigade  the  approbation  of  your  country." 

In  obedience  to  the  order  he  had  received  at  Mo- 
bile to  occupy  some  central  position,  where  his  horsea 
could  be  subsisted,  Coffee  had  proceeded  as  far  as 
Sandy  Creek,  a  small  distance  above  Baton  Rouge, 
wliere  he  had  halted.  His  brigade  on  its  march  had 
been  greatly  exposed,  and  many  hardships  encoun- 
tered. The  cold  season  had  set  in  ;  and,  for  twenty 
days,  it  had  rained  incessantly.  The  waters  were 
raised  to  uncommon  heights,  and  every  creek  and 
bayou  was  to  be  bridged  or  swam.  Added  to  this, 
their  march  was  through  an  uncultivated  country, 
but  thinly  settled,  where  little  subsistence  was  to  be 
had,  and  that  procured  with  much  difficulty.  He 
had  been  at  this  place  eight  or  ten  days,  when,  late 
on  the  evening  of  the  17th,  the  express  from  head- 
quarters reached  him.  He  lost  no  time  in  execut- 
ing the  order ;  and,  directing  one  of  his  regiments, 
v/hich,  for  the  greater  convenience  of  foraging,  had 
encamped  about  six  miles  off,  to  unite  with  him, 
he  proceeded  on  his  march  the  instant  it  arrived. 
In  consequence  of  innumerable  exposures,  there 
were,  at  this  time,  three  hundred  on  the  sick  list. 
These  being  left,  he  commenced  his  advance  with 
twelve  hundred  and  fifty  men.  The  weather  con 
tinned  extremely  cold  and  rainy,  which  prevente* 
their  proceeding  with  the  celerity  the  exigency  o( 
the  moment  required.  Coffee,  perceiving  that  tlu 
movement  of  his  whole  force,  in  a  body,  would  oo 
casion  delays,  ruinous  to  tlie  object,  ordered  all,  wiift 
were  able  to  proceed,  to  advance  with  him ;  wliilft 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  219 

tlie  rest  of  his  brigade,  under  suitable  officers,  were 
left  to  follow  as  fast  as  the  weak  and  exhausted 
condition  of  their  horses  would  permit.  His  force, 
by  this  arrangement,  was  rod  need  to  eight  hundred 
men,  with  whom  he  moved  with  the  utmost  indus- 
try. Having  marched  seventy  miles  the  last  day, 
he  encamped,  on  the  night  of  the  19th,  within  fifteen 
miles  of  New  Orleans,  making  in  two  days  a  dis- 
tance of  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  Continu- 
ing his  advance,  early  next  morning  lie  halted 
within  four  miles  of  the  city,  to  examine  the  condi 
tion  of  his  arms,  and  to  learn,  in  tlie  event  the  enemy 
had  landed,  the  relative  position  of  the  two  armies. 

On  inspecting  their  arms,  which  consisted  princi 
pally  of  rifles,  two  hundred  were  discovered  to  be 
so  materially  injured  by  the  weather,  as  to  be  unfit 
for  service. 

The  advance  of  Colonel  Hinds,  from  Woodville, 
with  the  Mississippi  dragoons,  was  no  less  expedi- 
tious ;  an  active  officer,  he  was,  on  this,  as  on  all 
other  occasions,  at  his  post,  ready  to  act  as  circum- 
stances should  require.  Having  received  his  or- 
ders, he  effected,  in  four  days,  a  march  of  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty  miles. 

On  the  16th,  Colonel  Hynes,  aid-de-camp  to  Gen- 
eral Carroll,  reached  head-quarters,  with  informa- 
tion from  the  general,  that  he  would  be  present  as 
early  as  possible ;  but  that  the  state  of  the  weather, 
and  high  and  contrary  winds,  greatly  retarded  his 
progress.  To  remedy  this,  a  steam-boat  was  im- 
mediately put  in  requisition,  and  ordered  to  proceed 
up  the  river  to  aid  him  in  reaching  his  destination, 
without  loss  of  time.  He  vi'as  advised  of  the  neces- 
sity of  hastening  rapidly  forward  ;  that  the  lakes 
wtrre  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  their  arrival 


220  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

daily  looked  for ;  "  But,"  continued  Jackson,  "  I  am 
esolved,  feeble  as  my  force  is,  to  assail  him,  on  hie 
f  rst  landing,  and  perish  sooner  tlian  he  shall  reach 
the  cit3\" 

Independent  of  the  large  force  which  was  de- 
scending with  General  Carroll,  his  approach  was 
looked  to  with  additional  pleasure,  from  the  circum- 
stance of  his  having  with  him  a  boat  laden  with 
arms,  destined  for  the  defence  of  the  country,  and 
which  he  had  overtaken  on  his  passage  down  the 
Mississippi.  His  falling  in  with  them  was  fortu- 
nate ;  for,  had  their  arrival  depended  on  those  to 
whom  they  had  been  incautiously  confided,  they 
might  have  come  too  late,  and  after  all  danger  had 
subsided ;  as  was  indeed  the  case  with  others  for- 
warded from  Pittsburg,  which,  through  the  unpar- 
donable conduct  of  those  who  had  been  intrusted 
with  their  transportation,  did  not  reach  New  Or 
leans  until  all  difficulties  had  terminated.  Great  in- 
convenience was  sustained,  during  the  siege,  for  want 
of  arms  to  place  in  the  hands  of  the  militia.  Great 
as  it  was,  it  would  have  been  increased,  even  to  an 
alarming  extent,  but  for  the  accidental  circumstance 
of  this  boat  having  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  Ten- 
nessee division,  which  impelled  it  on,  and  thereb) 
produced  incalculable  advantage. 

This  division  left  Nashwlle  on  the  19th  of  iSio- 
vember.  Their  exertions  entitle  them  and  theij 
commander  to  every  gratitude.  But  above  all  is  our 
gratitude  due  to  that  benign  Providence,  who,  hav- 
ing aided  in  the  establishment  of  our  glorious  inde- 
pendence, again  manifested  his  goodness  and  power 
in  guarding  the  rights  of  a  country  rendered  sacred 
by  the  blood  of  the  virtuous,  heretofore  shed  in  its 
defence.     It  rarely,  if  ever,  happens,  that  tJie  Cum- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  221 

berland  river  admits  a  passage  for  boats  so  early  in 
the  season;  but  torrents  of  rain  descending  swelled 
the  stream,  and  wafted  our  troops  Safely  to  the  i!klis- 
Bissippi,  where  all  obstructions  were  at  an  end 

While  these  preparations  were  progressing,  to 
concentrate  the  forces  within  his  reach,  the  gene- 
ral was  turning  his  attention  to  ward  oif  any  blow 
that  might  be  aimed  before  his  expected  reenforce- 
ments  should  arrive.  Every  point  capable  of  being 
successfully  assailed  was  receiving  such  additional 
security  as  could  be  given.  Patrols  and  videttes 
were  ranged  through  the  country,  that  the  earliest 
intelligence  might  be  had  of  any  intended  move 
ment.  The  militia^of  the  state  were  called  out  en 
masse  ;  and,  through  the  interference  of  the  legis 
lature,  an  embargo  on  vessels  at  the  port  of  New 
Orleans  was  declared,  to  afford  an  opportunity  of 
procuring  additional  recruits  for  the  navy.  Gener 
al  Villery,  because  an  inhabitant  of  the  country,  ana 
best  understanding  the  several  points  on  the  lakes 
requiring  defence,  was  ordered,  with  the  Louisiana 
militia,  to  search  out,  and  give  protection  to  the  dii- 
ferent  passes,  where  a  landing  might  be  effected. 

To  hinder  the  enemy  from  obtaining  supplies 
on  shore,  a  detachment  was  sent  to  Pearl  Rivei 
to  prevent  any  parties  from  landing  until  the 
stock  could  be  driven  from  the  neighbourhood 
The  precaution,  for  some  time  used,  of  restricting 
the  departure  of  any  vessel  with  provisions,  under 
the  operation  of  the  embargo  imposed  by  the  legis- 
lature, had  greatly  disappointed  the  expectations  of 
the  British,  and  even  introduced  diytress  into  Pen- 
sacola,  whence  the  Spaniards  had  been  in  the  habit 
of  procuring  their  supplies.  The  governor  had  so- 
licited the  opening  a  communication,  for  the  relief 
19* 


222  LIFE    OF    GENEllAL    JACKSON. 

of  llie  suffering  inhabitants  of  his  province.  Jack- 
son was  aware  that  this  appeal  to  his  liumanity 
might  be  a  stratagem,  having  for  its  object  to  aid 
the  enemy.  Although  the  governor,  hitherto,  had 
given  no  flattering  evidence,  either  of  his  friend- 
ship or  sincerity,  still  the  statement  offered  by  him 
might  be  correct ;  and,  if  so,  the  neutrality  of  his 
country  established  a  well-founded  claim  to  the  be- 
nevolence of  the  Americans.  Balancing  between 
a  desire  that  these  people  should  not  be  seriously 
mjured,  and  a  fear  that  the  appfication  was  intended 
for  a  very  different  purpose,  he  determined  to  err 
on  the  side  of  mercy,  and,  as  fnr  as  possible,  relieve 
their  wants.  This  he  directed, General  Winches- 
ter, at  Mobile,  to  effect,  provided  his  stock  of  pro- 
visions would  permit  it.  It  was  particularly  enjoin- 
ed on  him  that  the  quantity  of  provisions  sent  should 
be  small,  and  be  conveyed  by  water  :  "  For  if,"  said 
he,  "  the  Spaniards  are  really  in  distress,  and  the 
supply  sent  shall  be  taken  by  the  British,  it  will  ex- 
cite their  just  indignation  towards  them,  and  eraso 
all  friendship,  while  they  will  be  afforded  an  addi- 
tional proof  of  ours  :  the  supply,  too,  being  incon- 
siderable, even  if  captured,  will  prove  of  no  great 
benefit  to  our  enemy." 

Jackson's  arrangements  were  well  conceived,  and 
rapidly  progressing  ;  but  they  were  still  insufficient; 
and  his  own  forebodings  assured  him,  that,  to  ob- 
tain security,  something  stronger  required  to  be 
adopted.  That  there  was  an  enemy  in  the  midst  of 
]iis  camp,  more  to  be  feared  than  those  who  were  men- 
acing from  abroad,  was,  indeed,  probable.  A  stran- 
ger himself,  his  conjectures  might  not  have  led  to 
the  conclusion ;  but  information  received,  bcforo 
and  soon  after  his  arrival,  through  different  cliau 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  223 

nels,  and  particularly  from  the  governor  of  the  state, 
tad  awakened  a  belief,  that  the  country  was  filled 
with  disaffected  persons.  Although  he  had  been  in 
possession  of  data,  sufficiently  strong  to  confirm  him 
in  the  opinion,  no  urgent  necessity  had  arisen,  ren- 
derinof  a  resort  to  riofid  measures  essential  to  the 
general  safety.  Abundant  evidence  of  prevailing 
disaffection  had  been  obtained,  through  Governor 
Claiborne.  In  a  letter  to  General  Jackson,  aftei 
his  return  from  Pensacola,  he  observed,  "  Enemies 
to  the  country  may  blame  your  prompt  and  ener- 
getic measures  ;  but  in  the  person  of  every  patriot 
you  will  find  a  supporter.  I  am  well  aware  of  the 
lax  police  of  this  city,  and  indeed  of  the  whole  state, 
Vv'ith  respect  to  strangers.  I  think,  with  you,  that 
our  country  is  filled  '  with  traitors  and  spies.'  On 
this  subject,  I  have  written  pressingly  to  the  city 
authorities  and  parish  judges.  Some  regulations, 
I  hope,  will  be  adopted  by  the  first,  and  greater 
vigilance  be  exercised,  in  future,  by  the  latter.'' 

Never,  perhaps,  all  the  circumstances  considered, 
did  any  general  advance  to  the  defence  and  pro 
toction  of  a  people,  situated  in  his  own  country 
ahere  greater  room  was  had  to  distrust  the  succes. 
of  the  event,  and  believe  all  efforts  hopeless.  Whep 
General  Jackson  was  informed  by  the  governor 
that  the  legislature,  instead  of  discharging  with 
alacrity,  diligence,  and  good  faith,  the  duties  which 
had  been  confided  to  them  by  their  constituents, 
had,  under  the  garb  of  privilege,  endeavoured  to 
mar  the  execution  of  measures  the  most  salutary, 
he  might  v/ell  conclude  the  country  in  danger,  and 
fuspect  a  want  of  fidelity  in  her  citizens.  Upon  the 
yeomanry  alone  must  every  country  depend  for  its 
liberty  :  -they  are  its  sinews  and  its  strength.     Let 


224  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

them  continue  virtuous,  and  they  -will  cheeifully 
nay,  fearlessly,  maintain  themselves  against  aggres- 
sion ;  but  if  they  become  corrupted,  or,  through  the 
intrigue  or  misconduct  of  their  rulers,  lose  confi- 
dence in  their  government,  their  importance  will 
be  impaired.  While  the  people  of  Rome  felt  them- 
selves freemen,  and  proud  of  the  name  of  citizens, 
Rome  was  invincible  ;  and,  to  descend  to  tim.es 
more  modern,  the  strength  of  France  was  an  over- 
match for  combined  Europe  only  while  Frenchmen 
had  confidence  and  regard  for  their  government. 

Constitutional  resources  v»ere  attempted,  and  an 
effort  made  to  draw  out  the  militia  :  they  resisted 
the  requisition  ;  and  that  resistance,  so  far  from  be- 
ing discountenanced  by  the  legislature  then  in  ces- 
sion, was  encouraged  by  their  assuming  to  them- 
selves the  right  of  declaring  the  demand  to  be  illegal, 
unnecessary,  and  oppressive.  Thus  supported,  the 
militia,  as  might  have  been  expected,  stood  tlieir 
ground,  and  resolutely  resisted  the  call  to  defend 
their  country.  The  example  thus  established  had 
already  induced  the  conviction  that  they  were  privi- 
leged persons,  and  had  reserved  to  them,  on  all  oc- 
casions, when  called  for,  the  right  of  determining 
if  the  call  were  regular,  why  and  wherefore  made, 
where  they  would  prefer  to  act,  and  be  governed 
accordingly.  When,  therefore,  the  first  requisition 
made  by  Jackson  \s'as  attempted  to  be  filled,  a 
number  made  a  tender  of  their  services  as  volun- 
teers ;  but  on  this  condition,  that  they  were  not  to 
DC  marched  from  the  state.  The  reply  made  show- 
ed they  were  to  act  with  a  general  who  knew  noili- 
ing  of  temporizing  policy,  and  who  would  go  the 
entile  length  that  safety  and  necessity  required. 
They  were  assured  his  object  was  to  defend  tJie 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  225 

country,  and  that  he  should  do  it  at  every  hazard  ; 
that  soldiers  who  entered  the  ranks  with  him,  to 
fight  the  battles  of  their  country,  must  forget  the 
habits  of  social  life,  and  be  willing  and  prepared  to 
go  wherever  duty  and  danger  called  ;  such  were 
the  kind  of  troops  he  wanted,  and  none  others  would 
he  have. 

Influenced  by  these  and  other  considerations, 
which  were  daily  disclosed  ;  sensible  of  the  danger 
that  surrounded  him ;  and  from  a  conviction  which 
he  felt  was  founded  not  upon  light  considerations, 
that  the  country,  without  a  most  decisive  course, 
could  not  be  saved,  he  brought  to  the  view  of 
the  legislature  the  necessity  of  suspending  the  writ 
of  habeas  corpus.  To  attempt  himself  so  new'  and 
bold  a  course,  he  was  satisfied,  would  draw  to  him 
the  reproofs  and  censures  of  the  orthodox  politicians 
of  the  day,  and  involve  him  in  various  reproaches 
The  legislature  had  already  interrupted  the  com- 
merce by  declaring  and  enforcing  an  embargo  ;  and 
the  exercise  of  this  subsequent  authority,  equally 
necessary  with  the  first,  could  involve,  he  supposed, 
no  higher  exercise  of  pov/er  than  the  enactment  of 
an  embargo  law.  He  was  solicitous,  therefore,  to 
relieve  himself  of  the  responsibility,  by  prevailing 
on  tlie  legislature  to  do  that  which  necessity  and 
the  security  of  the  country  seemed  imperiously  to 
require.  They  proceeded  slowly  to  the  investiga 
tion,  and  were  deliberating,  with  great  caution,  upon 
their  right,  authority,  and  constitutional  power  to 
udopt  such  a  measure,  when  the  general,  sensible 
that  procrastination  was  dangerous,  and  might  de- 
feat the  objects  intended  to  be  answered,  assumed 
all  responsibility,  and  superseded  their  deliberations 


226  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

by  declaring  the  city  and  environs  of  New  Orleans 
under  martial  law. 

All  persons  entering  the  city  were  required,  im- 
mediately, to  report  themselves  to  the  adjutant-gen- 
eral ;  and,  on  failing  to  do  so,  were  to  be  arrested 
and  detained  for  examination.  None  were  to  de- 
part from  it,  or  be  suffered  to  pass  beyond  the  chain 
of  sentinels,  but  by  permission  from  the  command- 
ing general,  or  one  of  the  staff:  nor  was  any  vessel 
or  craft  to  be  permitted  to  sail  on  the  river,  or  the 
lakes,  but  by  the  same  authority,  or  a  passport  sign- 
ed by  the  commander  of  the  naval  forces. 

The  lamps  were  to  be  extinguished  at  nine 
o'clock  at  night ;  afler  which  time,  all  persona 
found  in  the  streets,  or  from  their  respective  homes, 
without  permission  in  writing,  signed  as  above,  were 
to  be  arrested  as  spies,  and  detained  for  exami- 
nation. 

At  a  crisis  so  important,  and  from  a  persuasion 
that  the  country,  in  its  menaced  situation,  could  not 
be  preserved  by  the  exercise  of  any  ordinary 
powers,  he  believed  it  best  to  adopt  a  course  that 
should  be  efficient,  even  if  it  partially  enaangered 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  citizen.  He  pro- 
claimed martial  law,  believing  necessity  and  policy 
required  it ;  "  under  a  solemn  conviction  that  the 
country,  committed  to  his  care,  could  by  such  a 
measure  alone  be  saved  from  utter  ruin  ;  and  from 
a  religious  belief,  that  he  was  performing  the  most 
important  duty.  By  it  he  intended  to  supersede 
such  civil  powers,  as,  m  t]>eir  operation,  interfered 
with  those  he  was  obliged  to  exercise.  He  thought 
that,  at  such  a  moment,  constitutional  forms  should 
be  suspended,  for  the  preservation  of  constitutional 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  227 

rights ;  and  that  there  could  be  no  question,  whether 
it  we-^e  better  to  depart,  for  a  moment,  from  the 
enjoyment  of  our  dearest  privileges,  or  to  have  them 
wrested  from  us  for  ever." 

This  rigid  course,  however,  was  by  no  means 
well  received.  Whether  it  had  for  its  object  good 
or  evil ;  whether  springing  from  necessity,  or  from 
a  spirit  of  oppression  in  its  author,  with  many,  was 
not  a  material  question :  it  was  sufficient  for  them 
to  consider  it  an  infraction  of  the  law,  to  excite 
Llieir  warmest  opposition ;  whilst  the  long-approved 
doctrine  of  nectssitas  rei  afforded  no  substantial 
argument  to  induce  a  conviction  of  its  propriety. 
Whether  the  civil  should  yield  to  military  law,  or 
which  should  have  control,  with  those  whose  anx- 
ious wishes  were  for  the  safety  of  the  state,  was  not 
a  matter  of  deep  or  serious  concern  ;  but  to  busy  pol- 
iticians it  opened  a  field  for  investigation :  and  many 
a  fire-side  patriot  had  arguments  at  command,  to 
prove  it  an  usurpation  of  power,  an  outrage  upon 
government,  and  a  violdtion  of  the  constitution. 
During  the  invasion,  and  while  affairs  of  major  im- 
portance impended,  no  occasion  was  presented  of 
testing  its  correctness ;  but,  soon  as  the  enemy  liad 
retired,  and  before  it  was  ascertained  whether,  at 
some  more  fortunate  and  less  guarded  point,  they 
might  not  return,  to  renew  those  efforts  whicli  had 
so  lately  failed,  Dominick  A.  Hall,  judge  of  tlie 
United  States'  court  for  this  district,  determined  to 
wage  a  war  of  authority,  and  to  have  it  decided,  if,  m 
any  event,  the  civil  power  could  be  deprived  of  su 
premacy.  Jackson  presumed  his  time  of  too  much 
importance,  at  so  momentous  a  period,  to  be  v/asted 
in  the  discussion  of  civil  matters.  He  gave  to  it, 
therefore,  the  only  attention  which  he  believed  its 


£28  LIFE    OF    GEXERAL    JACKSON. 

officiousness  merited,  and,  instead  of  obeying  the 
command,  ordered  the  judge  to  leave  the  citv. 
Peace  being  restored,  and  danger  over,  the  judge 
renewed  the  contest ;  and,  causing  the  general  to 
appear  before  him,  on  a  process  of  contempt,  for 
detaining  and  refusing  to  obey  a  writ  of  habeas 
corpus,  which  had  been  directed  to  him,  amerced 
him  in  a  fine  of  a  thousand  dollars.  How  far  he 
was  actuated  by  correct  motives,  in  exclusion  of 
those  feelings  which  sometimes  estrange  the  judg- 
ment, his  own  conscience  can  determine :  and 
how  far  his  proceedings  were  fair  and  liberal,  will 
appear  hereafter,  when,  in  proper  order,  we  exam- 
ine this  prosecution.  For  the  present,  we  are  con- 
fident, that,  if  ever  there  was  a  case  that  could  jus- 
t'fy  or  excuse  a  departure  from  the  law,  its  features 
were  not  stronger  than  those  which  influenced  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  on  the  present  occasion,  in  suspend- 
ing the  riofhts  of  the  citizens.  If  Judge  Hall  were 
impelled  to  the  course  he  took,  in  defence  of  the 
violated  dignity  of  the  constitution,  and  to  protect 
the  rights  of  a  government,  whose  judicial  powers 
he  represented,  whether  right  or  wrong,  he  de- 
serves not  censure  ;  although  it  might  be  well  re- 
plied, that  a  fairer  opportunity  of  showing  his  devot- 
edness  to  his  country  had  just  passed,  when  he  might 
truly  have  aided  in  defence  of  her  honour,  nor  left 
even  room  foi  his  motives  to  have  been  unfairly 
appreciatnd 

Learning  the  rumours  that  had  been  propagated, 
and  fearing  lest  they  might  have  an  injurious  ten- 
dency, Jackson  immediately  circulated  an  address 
to  his  troops,  in  which  he  sought  to  counteract  tho 
cfiect,  and  preserve  their  ardour  and  devotion  ta 
their  country. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  229 

"  Believe  Dot,"  he  observed,  "  that  the  threaten- 
ed invasion  is  with  a  view  tr  restore  the  country  to 
Spain.  It  is  founded  in  design,  and  a  supposition 
that  you  would  be  willing  to  return  to  your  ancient 
government.  Listen  not  to  such  incredible  tales  : 
your  government  is  at  peace  with  Spain.  It  is  your 
vital  enemy,  the  common  enemy  of  m  ankind,  the 
highway  robber  of  the  world,  that  has  sent  his  hire- 
lings among  you,  to  put  you  from  your  guard,  that 
you  may  fall  an  easier  prey.  Then  look  to  your 
liberty,  your  property,  the  chastity  of  your  wives 
and  daughters.  Take  a  retrospect  of  the  conduct 
of  the  British  army  at  Hampton,  and  at  other  places, 
where  it  has  entered  our  country — and  every  bosom, 
which  glows  with  patriotism  and  virtue,  will  be  in- 
spired with  indignation,  and  pant  for  the  arrival  of 
the  hour  when  we  shall  meet  and  revenge  those 
outrages  against  the  laws  of  civilization  and  hu 
manity." 

With  the  exception  of  the  Kentucky  troops,  all 
the  forces  expected  had  arrived.  General  Carroll 
had  reached  Coffee's  encampment,  four  miles  above 
the  city,  on  the  21st,  and  had  immediately  reported 
to  the  commanding  general.  The  officers  were 
busily  engaged  in  drilling,  mancDUvring,  and  or- 
ganizing the  troops,  and  in  having  every  thing 
ready  for  action.  No  doubt  w^as  entertained,  but 
the  British  would  be  able  to  effect  a  landing  at 
some  point:  the  principal  thing  to  be  guarded 
ftgamst  was  not  to  prevent  it ;  fcr,  since  tlie  loss  of 
the  gun-boats,  any  attempt  of  this  kind  could  only 
be  regarded  as  hopeless  .  but,  by  preserving  a  con- 
stant vigilance,  they  might  be  met  at  the  very 
threshold.  Small  guard-boats  v;ere  constantly  ply- 
ing on  the  laltes,  to  give  inibrmation  of  every  move 
20 


230  LIFE     OF    GEXEKA.L    JACKSOX. 

ment.  Some  of  these  had  come  in,  late  on  the 
evening  of  the  22(1,  ai.d  reported  that  all  was  quiet, 
and  that  no  unfavourable  appearance  portended  in 
that  direction.  With  such  vigilance,  constantly 
exercised,  it  is  astonishing  that  the  enemy  t?hould 
have  effected  an  invasion,  and  succeeded  jr.  disem- 
barking so  large  a  force,  without  the  sK^^jncCst  inti 
mation  being  had,  until  they  were  accidorbtxhy  dis 
covered  emerging  from  the  swamp,  abuut  aeven 
miles  below  the  city.  The  general  impr<^»«?ion  is. 
that  it  was  through  information  given  by  a  sm^il 
party  of  Spanish  fishermen,  that  so  secret  a  d/seri- 
barkation  was  effected.  Several  of  them  h>»d  set- 
tled at  the  mouth  of  this  bayou,  and  supported  vhem- 
selves  by  fish  which  they  caught,  and  vended  in  the 
market  at  New  Orleans.  Obstructions  had  been 
ordered  to  be  made  on  every  inlet,  and  the  Louis- 
iana militia  were  despatched  for  that  purpose.  This 
place  had  not  received  the  attention  its  importance 
merited  ;  nor  was  it  until  the  22d,  that  General  Vil- 
lery,  charged  with  the  execution  of  this  order,  had 
placed  here  a  small  detachment  of  men.  Towards 
day,  the  enemy,  silently  proceeding  up  the  bayou, 
landed,  and  succeeded  in  capturing  the  whole  of 
this  party  but  two,  who,  fleeing  to  the  swamp,  en- 
deavoured to  reach  the  city  ;  but,  owing  to  the 
thick  undergrowth  and  briers,  they  did  not  arrive 
until  after  the  enemy  had  reached  the  bo.nks  of  the 
Mississippi,  and  been  discovered. 

Bayou  Bienvenu,  through  which  the  British  ef- 
fected a  landing,  is  an  arm  of  considerable  width, 
stretching  towards  the  JNIississippi  from  Lake 
Bortrne,  and  about  fifteen  miles  south-east  of  New 
Orleans.  It  had  been  reported  to  General  Jackson 
ou  tlic  23d,  that,  on  the  day  before,  several  strange 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  231 

sail  had  been  descried  off  Terre  au  BoBuf.     To  as- 
certain correctly  the  truth  of  the  statement,  Majors 
Tatum  and  Latour,  topog-raphical  engineers,  were 
sent,  with  orders  to  proceed  in  that  direction,  and 
learn  if  anv  thmg  were  attempting  there.     It   A'as 
towards  noon  of  the  23d,  when  they  started-     Ap- 
proaching General  Villery's  plantation,  and  perceiv- 
incr  at  a  distance  soldiers  and  persor^  fleeing  away, 
they    at    or.ce    supposed   the    enemy   had   arrived. 
What,   however,   was  but  surmise,  was   presently 
rendered  certain  ;  and  it  was  now  no  longer  a  doubt, 
but  the  British  had  landed,  in  considerable  force, 
and  liad  actually  gained,  unobserved,  the  house  ot 
General  Villery,  on  the  bank  of  the   Mississippi, 
where  they  had   surprised,  and   made  prisoners,  a 
company  of  militia,  there  posted. 

Major  Tatum,  hastening  back,  announced  hi3 
discovery.  Preparations  to  act  were  immediately 
made  bv  General  Jackson.  Believing  that  to  act 
speedily  was  of  the  highest  importance,  the  signal 
guns  were  fired,  and  expresses  sent  forward,  to 
concentrate  his  forces;  resolving  that  night  to 
meet  the  invaders,  and  try  his  own  and  their  tifin- 
Tiess. 


232  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Gfiiernl  Jackson  concentraies  his  forces,  mid  marclies  to  JiglJ.  the 
enemy. — Alarms  of  tlie  city. — Anecdote. — Mode  of  altack,  and 
battle  of  the  23d  of  December. — British  re-enforcements  urrii'ii 
duiing  the  action. — Arrival  of  General  Carroll's  division. — Our 
army  retires  from  the  field. — Kjj'ects  of  this  battle. — Jackson  es- 
tablishes a  line  of  defence. — General  Mors^an  ij  ordered  on  the 
iHght  bank  of  the  Mississippi. — Destruction  and  loss  of  the  Car- 
oline schooner. — Battle  of  the  2Stk  December. — Conduct  of  the 
legislature  of  Louisiana  ;  tJieir  deliberations  suspended. — Scar- 
city of  arms  in  the  American  camp. — Colonel  Hinds. 

The  hour  to  test  the  bravery  of  his  troops  ar- 
rived. The  approach  of  the  enemy,  flushed  with 
the  hope  oi  easy  victory,  was  announced  to  Jackson 
a  little  after  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  He  well 
knew  the  greater  part  of  his  troops  were  inured  to 
fatigue,  while  those  opposed  to  him  had  just  been 
landed  from  a  long  voyage,  and  were  without  ac- 
tivity, and  unfitted  for  bodily  exertion.  Moreover, 
a  part  only  might  have  arrived  from  the  shipping, 
while  the  remainder  would  be  certainly  disembark- 
ed as  early  as  possible.  These  circumstances 
seemed  to  augment,  in  his  behalf,  the  chances  of 
victory.  He  resolved,  at  all  events,  to  march,  and 
that  night  give  them  battle.  Generals  Coffee  and 
Carroll  were  ordered  to  proceed  immediately  from 
their  encampment,  and  join  him.  Although  four 
miles  above,  they  arrived  in  the  city  in  loss  than 
two  hours  after  the  order  had  been  issued.  These 
forces,  with  the  seventh  and  forty-fourth  regiments, 
the  Louisiana  troops,  and  Colonel  Hinds'  dragoons, 
from  Mississippi,  constituted  the  strength  of  hi3 
army,  which  could  be  carried  into  action  against  >  \ 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  233^ 

% 

enemy  whose  numbers,  at  this  time,  could  only  be 
conjectured.  It  was  thought  advisable  tliat  Gen- 
eral Carroll  and  his  division  should  be  disposed  in 
the  rear,  for  the  reason  that  there  was  no  correct 
information  of  the  force  landed  through  Villery's 
Canal,  and  because  Jackson  feared  that  this  proba- 
bly might  be  merely  a  feint,  intended  to  divert  his 
attention,  while  a  more  numerous  division,  having 
already  gained  some  point  higher  on  the  lake,  might, 
by  advancing  in  his  absence,  gain  his  rear,  and  suc- 
ceed in  their  designs.  Uncertain  of  their  move- 
ments, it  was  essential  he  should  be  prepared  for 
the  worst,  and,  by  different  dispositions  of  his 
troops,  be  ready  to  resist,  in  whatever  quarter  he 
might  be  assailed.  Carroll,  therefore,  at  the  head 
of  his  division,  and  Governor  Claiborne,  with  the 
state  militia,  were  directed  to  take  post  on  the 
Gentilly  road,  which  leads  from  Chef  Mentear  to 
New  Orleans,  and  to  defend  it  to  the  last  extremity. 

Alarm  pervaded  the  city.  The  marching  and 
countermarching  of  the  troops,  the  proximity  of  the 
enemy,  with  the  approaching  contest,  and  uncer- 
tainty of  the  issue,  had  excited  a  general  fear. 
Colonel  Ilayne,  with  two  companies  of  riflemen, 
and  the  Mississippi  dragoons,  w\as  sent  forward  to 
reconnoitre  their  camp,  learn  their  position  and 
numbers ;  and,  in  the  event  they  should  be  found 
advancing,  to  harass  and  oppose  them  at  every 
step,  until  the  main  body  should  arrive. 

Every  thing  being  ready.  General  Jackson  com- 
menced his  march  to  meet  the  veteran  troops  of 
England.  An  inconsiderable  circumstance,  at  this 
moment,  evinced  what  unlimited  confidence  was  re 
posed  in  his  bravery.  As  his  troops  were  marchin& 
through  the  city,  his  ears  were  assailed  with  the 
20* 


234  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOX. 

screams  and  cries  of  inimiiierable  females,  wlio  had 
collected  on  the  way,  and  seemed  to  apprehend  the 
worst  of  consequences.  Feeling  for  their  distress- 
es, and  anxious  to  quiet  them,  he  directed  Mr.  Liv- 
ingston, one  of  his  aids-de-camp,  to  address  them 
in  the  French  language.  "Say  to  them,"  said  he, 
"  not  to  be  alarmed  .  the  enemy  shall  never  reach 
the  city."  It  operated  like  an  electric  shock.  To 
know  that  he  himself  v/as  not  apprehensive  of  a  fatal 
result,  inspired  them  with  altered  feelings  ;  sorrow 
was  ended,  and  their  griefconverted  into  confidence. 
The  general  arrived  in  view  of  the  enemy  a  lit- 
tle before  dark.  Having  ascertained  from  Colonel 
Hayne  their  position,  and  that  their  strength  was 
about  tv."o  thousand  men,*  he  immediately  concert- 
ed the  mode  of  attack,  and  hastened  to  execute  it. 
Commodore  Patterson,  who  commanded  the  naval 
forces  on  this  station,  with  Captain  Henly,  on  board 
the  Caroline,  had  been  directed  to  drop  down,  an- 
chor in  front  of  their  lino,  and  open  upon  them  from 
the  guns  of  the  schooner  :  this  being  the  appointed 
signal,  when  given,  the  attack  was  to  be  waged 
simultaneously  on  all  sides.  The  fires  from  their 
camp  discJosed  their  position,  and  showed  their  en- 
campment, formed  with  the  left  resting  on  the  riv- 
er, and  extending  at  right  angles  into  the  open 
field.  General  Coffee,  with  his  brigade.  Colonel 
Hinds'  dragoons,  and  Captain  Seal's  company  of 
riflemen,  were  ordered  to  oblique  to  the  left,  and, 
by  a  circuitous  route,  avoid  their  pickets,  and  en- 
deavour to  turn  their  right  wing ;  having  succeed- 

*  Tliisoi)!nion,  as  it  aflei-wards  appeared,  was  incorrect.  TJie 
Tinmbcr  of  the  enem}',  at  tlic  comnieiiceincnt  of  the  action,  was 
llirce  thousand,  and  was  shortly  afterwards  increased  by  addition- 
al forces  :  our  strength  did  not  cxceetl  two  tiiousaud. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  235 

cd  in  this,  to  form  his  line,  and  press  the  enemy  to- 
wards the  river,  where  they  would  be  exposed  more 
completely  to  the  fire  of  the  Caroline.  The  rest  of 
the  troops,  consisting  of  the  regulars,  Ploache'a 
city  volunteers,  Daquin's  coloured  troops,  the  artil- 
lery under  Lieutenant  Spotts,  supported  by  a  compa- 
ny of  marines  commanded  by  Colonel  M'Kee,  ad- 
vanced on  the  road  along  the  bank  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, and  were  commanded  by  Jackson  in  person. 

General  Coffee  with  caution  had  advanced  be- 
yond their  pickets,  next  the  swamp,  and  nearly 
reached  the  point  to  which  he  was  ordered,  when  a 
broadside  from  the  Caroline  announced  the  battle 
begun.  Patterson  had  proceeded  slowly,  giving 
time,  as  he  believed,  for  the  execution  of  those  ar- 
rangements contemplated  on  the  shore.  So  san- 
guine had  the  British  been  m  the  belief  that  they 
would  be  kindly  received,  and  little  opposition  at- 
tempted, that  the  Caroline  floated  by  the  sentinels, 
and  anchored  before  their  camp,  without  any  kind 
of  molestation.  On  passing  the  front  picket,  she 
%vas  hailed  in  a  low  tone  of  voice,  but,  not  returning 
an  answer,  no  further  question  was  made.  This, 
added  to  some  other  circumstances,  confirmed  the 
opinion  that  they  believed  her  a  vessel  laden  with 
provisions,  which  had  been  sent  out  from  New  Or- 
leans, and  was  intended  for  them.  Having  reach 
ed  what,  from  their  fires,  appeared  to  be  the  centre 
of  their  encampment,  her  anchors  were  cast,  and 
her  character  and  business  disclosed  from  her  guns 
So  unexpected  an  attack  produced  a  momentarj 
confusion  ;  but,  recovering,  she  was  answered  by  r. 
discharge  of  musketry,  and  flight  of  congreve  rock- 
ets, which  passed  without  injury,  while  the  grape 
and  canister  from  her  guns  were  pouring  deslruc 


236  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

lively  on  them.  To  take  away  the  certainty  of  aim 
aftbrded  by  the  light  from  tJieir  fires,  these  were 
immediately  extinguished,  and  they  retired  two  or 
three  hundred  yards  into  the  open  field,  if  not  out 
of  the  reach  of  the  cannon,  at  least  to  a  distance 
where,  by  the  darkness  of  the  night,  they  would  be 
protected. 

Coffee  had  dismounted  his  men,  and  turned  his 
horses  loose,  at  a  large  ditch,  next  the  swamp,  in  the 
rear  of  Larond's  plantation,  and  gained,  as  he  be- 
lieved, the  centre  of  the  enemy's  line,  when  the  sig- 
nal from  the  Caroline  reached  him.  He  directly 
wheeled  his  columns  in,  and,  extending  his  line  par- 
allel with  the  river,  moved  towards  their  camp. 
He  had  advanced  scarcely  more  than  a  hundred 
yards,  wheA  he  received  a  heavy  fire  from  a  line 
formed  in  his  front ;  this,  to  him,  was  unexpected, 
as  he  supposed  the  enemy  lying  principally  at  a 
distance,  and  that  the  only  opposition  he  should 
meet,  until  he  approached  towards  the  levee,*  would 
be  from  their  advanced  pickets.  The  circumstance 
of  his  coming  in  contact  with  them  so  soon  was 
owing  to  the  severe  attack  of  the  schooner,  which 
had  compelled  the  enemy  to  abandon  their  camp, 
and  form  without  the  reach  of  her  guns.  The 
moon  shone,  but  reflected  her  light  too  feebly  to 
discover  objects  at  a  distance.  The  only  means, 
therefore,  of  producing  certain  effect,  with  tlie  kind 
of  force  engaged,  which  consisted  chiefly  of  rifle- 

*  Banks  thrown  up  on  the  margin  of  the  river  to  confine  the 
stream  to  its  bed ;  and  which  are  extended  along  the  Rlississippi 
on  both  sides,  from  the  termination  of  tlie  highlands,  near  Baton 
Rouge.  Frequcirtly  the  river,  in  its  \crnal  floods,  rises  above  Uie 
elevation  of  the  plains,  and  then  the  security  of  the  counlry 
depends  on  the  strength  of  those  levees  :  they  not  unfrcqueoi 
ly  break,  when  incalculable  Lnjury  is  the  consequence. 


LIFE    OJt    GENERAL    JACKSON.  237 

men,  was  not  to  venture  at  random,  but  to  discharge 
their  pieces  only  when  there  should  be  a  certainty 
of  felling  the  object.  This  order  being  given,  the 
line  pressed  on,  and,  having  gained  a  position  near 
enough  to  dbtinguish,  a  general  fire  was  given .  it 
was  well  directed,  and  too  destructive  to  be  with- 
stood :  the  enemy  gave  way,  and  retreated, — ral- 
lied,— formed, — were  charged,  and  again  retreated. 
Our  gallant  yeomanry, led  by  their  brave  command- 
er, urged  fearlessly  on,  and  drove  tlieir  invaders 
from  every  position  they  attempted  to  maintain. 

The  enemy,  driven  back  by  the  resolute  firmness 
of  the  assailants,  had  now  reached  a  grove  of  orange 
trees,  with  a  ditch  running  past  it,  protected  by  a 
fence  on  the  margin.  Here  they  halted,  and  form- 
ed for  battle.  It  was  a  position  promising  securi 
ty,  and  was  occupied  with  confidence.  Coffee's 
dauntless  yeomanry,  strengthened  in  their  hopes  of 
success,  moved  on,  nor  discovered  the  advantages 
against  them,  until  a  fire  from  tlie  entire  British 
hne  showed  their  position.  A  sudden  check  was 
given ;  but  it  was  only  momentary ;  for,  gathering 
fresh  ardour,  they  charged  across  the  ditch,  gave  a 
deadly  fiie,  and  forced  them  to  retire.  The  retreat 
continued,  until,  gaining  a  similar  position,  the  ene- 
my made  another  stand,  and  w^ere  again  driven  from 
it  with  considerable  loss. 

Thus  the  battle  raged  on  the  left  wing,  until  the 
British  reached  the  bank  of  the  river ;  here  a  de- 
termined stand  was  made,  and  further  encroach- 
ments resisted ;  for  half  an  hour  the  conflict  was 
extremely  violent  on  both  sides.  The  American 
troops  could  not  be  driven  from  their  purpose,  nor 
the  British  made  to  yield  t?ieir  ground :  but  at 
length,  having  sufiered  greatly,  tlie  latter  were  un 


238  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSOX. 

der  the  necessity  of  taking  refuge  behind  the  levee, 
which  afforded  a  breast-work,  and  protected  them 
from  tlie  fatal  fire  of  our  riflemen.  Coffee,  unac- 
quainted with  their  position,  for  the  darkness  had 
greatly  increased,  already  contemplated  dgain  to 
charge  them ;  but  one  of  his  officers,  who  had  dis- 
covered the  advantage  their  situation  gave  them, 
assured  him  it  was  too  hazardous  ;  that  they  could 
be  driven  no  farther,  and  would,  from  the  point  they 
occupied,  resist  with  the  bayonet,  and  repel,  with 
considerable  loss,  any  a-ttempt  that  might  be  made 
to  dislodge  them.  The  place  of  their  retirement 
was  covered  in  front  by  a  strong  bank,  which  had 
been  extended  into  the  field,  to  keep  out  the  river, 
in  consequence  of  the  first  being  encroached  upon, 
and  undermined  in  several  places  :  the  former,  Jiow- 
ever,  was  still  entire  in  many  parts,  which,  inter- 
posing between  them  and  the  Mississippi,  afforded  se- 
curity from  the  broadsides  of  the  schooner,  which 
lay  off  at  some  distance.  A  further  apprehension, 
lest,  by  moving  still  nearer  to  the  river,  he  might 
greatly  expose  himself  to  the  fire  of  the  Caroline, 
which  was  yet  spiritedly  maintaining  the  conflict, 
induced  Coffee  to  retire  until  he  could  hear  from 
the  commanding  general,  and  receive  his  orders. 

During  this  time,  the  right  v/ing,  under  Jackson, 
had  been  no  less  active.  A  detachment  of  artille- 
ry, under  Lieutenant  Spotts,  supported  by  sixty  ma- 
rines, constituting  the  advance,  had  moved  down 
the  ~oad  next  the  levee.  On  their  left  was  the 
Beventh  regiment  of  infantry,  led  by  Major  Piere. 
The  forty-fourth,  commanded  by  Major  Baker,  was 
formed  on  the  extreme  left ;  while  Plauche's  and 
Daquin's  battalions  of  city  guards  were  directed 
to  be  posted  in  the  centre,  between  the  seventh  ajid 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  239 

forty- fourth.  Tlie  general  had  ordered  Colonel 
Ross,  who,  during  the  night,  acted  in  the  capacity 
of  briffadier-nfeneral, — for  he  was  without  a  bricra- 
dier, — on  hearing  the  signal  from  the  Caroline,  to 
move  off  by  heads  of  companies,  and.  on  reaching 
the  enemy's  line,  to  deploy,  and  unite  the  left  wing 
of  his  command  with  the  right  of  General  CofFee's. 
This  order  was  omitted  to  be  executed  ;  and  the 
consequence  was  confusion  in  the  ranks. 

Instead  of  n  oving  in  column  from  the  first  posi- 
tion, the  troops,  with  the  exception  of  the  seventh 
regiment,  next  the  person  of  the  general,  which 
advanced  agreeably  to  the  instructions  that  had 
been  given,  were  formed  and  marched  in  extended 
line.  Having  sufficient  ground  to  form  on  at  first, 
no  inconvenience  was  at  the  moment  sustained  ;  but, 
this  advantage  presently  failing,  the  centre  became 
compressed,  and  was  forced  in  the  rear.  The  river, 
from  where  they  were  formed,  gradually  inclined  to 
the  left,  and  diminished  the  space  originally  pos- 
sessed :  farther  in  stood  Larond's  house,  surround- 
ed by  a  grove  of  clustered  orange  trees  ;  this  press- 
ing the  left,  and  the  river  the  right  wing  to  the  cen- 
tre, formed  a  curve,  which  presently  threw  the  prin- 
cipal partof  Plauche's  and  Daquin's  battalions  with- 
out the  line.  This  inconvenience  might  have  been 
remedied,  but  for  the  briskness  of  the  advance,  and 
for  the  darkness  of  the  night.  A  heavy  fire  from 
behind  a  fence,  immediately  before  them,  had 
brought  the  enemy  to  view.  Acting  in  obedience 
to  their  orders  not  to  waste  their  ammunition  at 
random,  our  troops  had  pressed  forward  against  the 
opposition  in  their  front,  and  thereby  threw  those 
battalions  in  tlie  rear. 


240  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

A  fog  rising  from  the  river,  which,  added  to  the 
emoke  from  the  guns,  was  covering  the  plain  grad- 
ually, diminished  the  little  light  shed  by  the  moon, 
and  greatly  increased  the  darkness  of  the  night . 
no  clue  was  left  to  ascertain  how  the  enemy  were, 
situated.  There  was  no  alternative  but  to  move  on 
in  the  direction  of  their  fire,  which  subjected  the 
assailants  to  material  disadvantages.  The  British^ 
driven  from  their  first  position,  had  retired  back, 
and  occupied  another,  behind  a  deep  ditch,  that  ran 
out  of  the  Mississippi  towards  the  swamp,  on  the 
margin  of  which  was  a  wood  railed  fence.  Here, 
strengthened  by  increased  numbers,  they  again  op- 
posed the  advance  of  our  troops.  Having  waited 
until  they  had  approached  sufficiently  near  to  be 
discoverecT,  they  discharged  a  fire  upon  the  advanc- 
ing army.  Instantly  our  battery  was  formed,  and 
poured  destructively  upon  them ;  while  the  infan- 
try, pressing  forward,  aided  in  the  conflict,  which  a<" 
this  point  was  for  some  time  spiritedly  maintained. 
At  this  moment,  a  brisk  sally  was  made  upon  our 
advance,  when  the  marines,  unequal  to  the  assault 
were  already  giving  way.  The  adjutant-general, 
and  Colonels  Piatt  and  Chotard,  with  a  part  of  the 
seventh,  hastening  to  their  support,  drove  the  ene- 
my, and  saved  the  artillery  from  capture.  Generaj 
Jackson,  perceiving  the  decided  advantages  which 
were  derived  from  the  position  they  occupied,  or- 
dered their  line  to  be  charged.  It  was  obeyed  and 
executed  with  promptness.  Pressing  on,  our  troops 
gained  the  ditch,  and,  pouring  across  it  a  we.'i-aim- 
ed  fire,  compelled  them  to  retreat,  and  abandon 
their  entrenchment.  The  plain,  on  which  they 
were  contending,  was  cut  to  pieces,  by  races  from 
the  river,  to  convey  the  water  to  the  swamp.     The 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  241 

enemy  were,  therefore,  very  soon  enabled  to  occu- 
py anotlier  position,  equally  favourable  with  the  one 
whence  they  had  been  just  driven,  where  they  form 
ed  for  battle,  and,  for  some  time,  gallantly  main- 
tained themselves  ;  but  which,  after  stubborn  resist- 
ance, they  were  forced  to  yield. 

The  enemy,  discovering  the  obstinate  advance 
mo.de  by  the  right  wing  of  the  American  army,  and  pre 
Burning  perhaps  that  its  principal  strength  was  post 
cd  on  the  road,  formed  the  intention  of  attacking 
violently  the  left.  Obliquing  for  this  purpose,  an 
attempt  was  made  to  turn  it.  At  this  moment,  Da- 
quin's  and  the  battalion  of  city  guards,  being  march- 
ed up,  and  formed  on  the  left  of  the  forty-fourth 
regiment,  repulsed  them. 

The  particular  moment  of  the  contest  prevented 
many  of  those  benefits,  which  might  have  been  de- 
rived from  the  artillery.  The  darkness  of  the  night 
was  such,  that  the  blaze  of  the  enemy's  musketry 
was  the  only  light  afforded,  by  which  to  determine 
their  position,  or  be  capable  of  taking  our  own  to 
advantage  ;  yet,  notvv'ithstanding,  it  greatly  annoy- 
ed them,  whenever  it  could  be  brought  to  bear. 
Directed  by  Lieutenant  Spotts,  a  vigilant  and  skil- 
ful officer,  with  men  to  aid  him  who  looked  to  noth- 
ing but  a  zealous  discharge  of  their  duty,  the  most 
important  services  were  rendered. 

The  enemy  had  been  thrice  beaten,  and  for  near- 
ly a  mile  compelled  to  yield  their  ground.  They 
had  now  retired,  and,  if  found,  were  to  be  sought 
for  amidst  the  darkness  of  the  night.  The  gene- 
ral determined  to  halt,  and  ascertain  Coffee's  posi- 
tion and  success,  previously  to  waging  the  battle 
further  ;  for  as  yet  no  communication  had  passed 
between  them.  The  Caroline  had  almost  ceased 
21 


242  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON. 

her  oi)€rations ;  it  being-  only  occasjonally,  that  thrt 
noise  of  her  guns  disclosed  the  little  opportunity 
she  possessed  of  acting  efficiently. 

The  express  despatched  to  General  Jackson  from 
the  left  wing  having  reached  him,  he  determined 
to  prosecute  the  successes  he  had  gained  no  fur- 
ther. The  darkness  of  the  night,  the  confusion 
into  which  his  own  division  had  been  thrown,  and  a 
similar  disaster  produced  on  tlie  part  of  Coffee, — all 
pointed  to  the  necessity  of  retiring  from  the  field. 
The  bravery  displayed  by  his  troops  had  induced 
a  belief,  that,  by  pressing  forward,  he  might  capture 
the  whole  British  army  :  at  any  rate,  he  considered 
it  but  a  game  of  hazard,  which,  if  unsuccessful,  could 
not  occasion  his  own  defeat.  If  incompetent  to  its 
execution,  .and  superior  numbers,  or  superior  disci- 
pline, sliould  compel  him  to  recede  from  the  effort, 
he  well  knew  the  enemy  would  npt  have  temerity 
enough  to  attempt  pursuit.  The  extreme  darkless, 
their  entire  ignorance  of  the  situation  of  the  coun- 
try, and  an  apprehension  lest  their  forces  miglit 
be  greatly  outnumbered,  afforded  sufhcient  reasons 
on  whicJi  to  ground  a  belief,  that,  although  beaten 
from  his  purpose,  he  would  yet  have  it  in  his  power 
to  retire  in  safety  ;  but,  on  the  arriva,l  of  the  ex- 
press from  General  Coffee,  learning  the  strong  po- 
sition to  which  the  enemy  had  retired,  and  tliat  a 
part  of  the  left  wing  had  been  detached,  and  were 
in  all  probability  captured,  lie  determined  to  retirsi 
from  the  contest,  nor  attempt  a  further  nroscculicn 
of  his  successes.  General  Coffee  was  accordingly 
directed  to  withdraw,  and  take  a  position  atLarond'a 
plancation,  where  tliC  line  had  been  first  formed: 
and  thither  t)ie  troops  on  the  right  v.'ere  also  order- 
ed to  bo  marched. 


LIFi:    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOxV.  213 

The  last  charge  made  by  the  left  wing  had  sep 
arated  from  the  main  body  Colonels  Dyer  and  Gib- 
son, with  two  hundred  men,  and  Captain  Beal's  com- 
pany of  riflemen.  What  might  be  their  fate: 
whether  they  were  captured,  or  had  effected  their 
retreat,  was,  at  this  time,  altogether  uncertain  ;  be 
tliat  as  it  might,  Coftee's  command  was  considera- 
bly weakened. 

Colonel  Dyer,  who  commanded  the  extreme  left, 
on  clearing  the  grove,  after  the  enemy  had  retired, 
was  marching  in  a  direction  where  he  expected  to 
find    General    Coffee :  he    very  soon    discovered  a 
force  in  front,  and,  halting  his  men,  hastened  towards 
it :  arriving  within  a  short  distance,  he  was  hailed, 
ordered  to  stop,  and  report  to  whom  he  belonged  : 
Dyer,  and  Gibson,  his  lieutenant-colonel,  who  ac- 
companied him,  advanced,  and  stated  they  were  of 
Coffee's  brigade:    by  this  time  they  had   arrived 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  Ime,  and,  perceiving 
that  the  name  of  the  brigade  they  had  stated  was 
not  understood,  their  apprehensions  were  awaken- 
ed, lest  it  might  be  a  detachment  of  the  enemy  ;  in 
this  opinion  they  were  immediately  confirmed,  and. 
wheeling  to   return,   were    fired  on    and  pursued. 
Gibson  had  scarcely  started  when  he  fell :  before 
he  could  recover,  a  soldier,  quicker  than  the  rest, 
had  reached  him,  and  pinned  him  to  the  ground 
with   his  bayonet;    fortunately   the   stab   had   but 
slightly  wounded  him,  and  he  was  only  held  by  his 
clothes ;  thus  pinioned,  and  perceiving  others  to  be 
briskly  advancing,  but  a  moment  was  left  for  delib- 
eration; — making  a  violent  exertion,  and  springing 
to  his  feet,  he  threw  his  assailant  to  the  ground,  and 
made  good  his  retreat.     Colonel  Dyer  had  retreat- 
ed about  fifty  yards,  when  his  horse  dropped  dead  ; 


244  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

entangled  in  the  fall,  and  slightly  wounded  m  tliG 
thigh,  there  was  little  prospect  of  relief,  for  the  en- 
emy were  briskly  advancing;  his  men  being  near 
at  hand,  he  ordered  them  to  advance  and  fire,  which 
checked  their  approach,  and  enabled  him  to  escape. 
Being  now  at  the  head  of  his  command,  perceiv- 
ing an  enemy  in  a  direction  he  had  not  expected, 
and  uncertain  how  or  where  he  might  tind  General 
Coffee,  he  determined  to  seek  him  to  the  right,  and, 
moving  on  with  his  little  band,  forced  his  way  through 
the  enemy's  lines,  with  the  loss  of  sixty-three  ol 
his  men,  who  were  killed  and  taken.  Captain  Beal^ 
with  equal  bravery,  charged  through  the  enem.y,  car 
rying  off  some  prisoners,  and  losing  several  of  his 
own  company. 

This  re^enforcemenl  of  the  British  had  arrived 
from  Bayou  Bienvenu,  afler  niglit.  The  boats  that 
landed  the  first  detachment,  proceeded  back  to  the 
shipping,  and,  having  returned,  were  on  their  way 
up  the  bayou,  when  they  heard  the  guns  of  the 
Caroline  ;  moving  hastily  on  to  the  assistance  of 
those  who  had  debarked  before,  they  reached  the 
shore,  and,  knowing  nothing  of  the  situation  of  the 
two  armies,  during  the  engagement  advanced  in  the 
rear  of  General  Coffee's  brigade.  Coming  in  con- 
tact  with  Colonel  Dyer  and  Captain  Beal,  they  filed 
off  to  the  left,  and  reached  the  British  lines. 

This  detached  part  of  Coffee's  brigade,  unable  to 
unite  with,  or  find  him,  retired  to  the  place  where 
they  had  first  formed,  and  joined  Colonel  Hinds' 
dragoons,  which  had  remained  on  the  ground  where 
the  troops  had  first  dismounted,  that  they  might  trov- 
er their  retreat,  in  the  event  it  became  necessary. 

Jackson  had  gone  into  this  battle  confident  of 
success  ;  and  his  arrangements  were  such  as  would 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  24.1 

have  ensured  it,  even  to  a  much  greater  extent,  but 
for  the  intervention  of  circumstances  that  were  not, 
ind  could  not  be  foreseen.  The  Caroline  had  criv- 
en  her  signals,  and  commenced  the  battle,  a  nttle 
too  early,  before  Coffee  had  reached  his  position, 
and  before  every  thing  was  fully  in  readiness  to  at- 
tain the  objects  designed :  but  it  was  chiefly  owing 
to  the  confusion  introduced  at  first  into  the  ranks, 
which  checked  the  ra,pidity  of  his  advance,  gave 
the  enemy  time  for  preparation,  and  prevented  his 
division  from  uniting  with  the  right  wing  of  Gener- 
al Coffee's  brigade. 

Colonel  Hinds,  with  one  hundred  and  eighty  dra- 
goons, was  not  brought  into  action  during  the  night. 
Interspersed  as  the  plain  was  with  mnumerable 
ditches,  diverging  in  different  directions,  it  was  im- 
possible that  cavalry  could  act  to  any  kind  of  ad- 
vantage :  they  were  now  formed  in  advance,  to 
watch,  until  morning,  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 

From  the  experiment  just  made,  Jackson  believ- 
ed it  would  be  in  his  power,  on  renewing  the  attack, 
»o  capture  the  British  army :  he  concluded,  there- 
fore, to  order  down  to  his  assistance  General  Car- 
roll with  his  division,  and  to  assail  them  again  at 
the  dawn  of  day.  Directing  Governor  Claiborne 
to  remain  at  his  post,  with  the  Louisiana  militia,  for 
the  defence  of  an  important  pass  to  the  city,  the 
Gentilly  road,  he  despatched  an  express  to  Carroll, 
stating  to  him,  that,  in  the  event  there  had  been  no 
appearance  of  a  force  during  the  night,  in  the  di- 
rection of  Chef  Menteur,  to  join  him  with  the  troops 
under  his  command :  this  order  was  executed  by 
one  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Previously,  however j 
to  his  arrival,  a  different  determination  was  njcrir. 
From  prisoners  who  had  been  brouglit  in,  and  through 
21  * 


246  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

deserters,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  strength  cf 
the  enemy,  during  the  battle,  was  four  thousand, 
and,  with  the  re-enforccments  which  had  reached 
tliem,  after  its  commencement,  and  during  the  ac- 
tion, tlieir  force  could  r<)t  be  less  than  six: — at  any 
rate,  it  would  greatly  e^.  "^ed  his  own,  even  after 
the  Tennessee  division  should  be  added.  Altliough 
very  decided  advantages  had  been  obtained,  yet 
they  had  been  procured  under  circumstances  that 
might  be  wholly  lost  in  a  contest  waged,  in  open 
day,  between  forces  so  disproportionate,  and  by  un- 
disciplined troops,  against  veteran  soldiers.  Jack 
son  v/ell  know  it  was  incumbent  upon  him  to  act  a 
part  entirely  defensive  :  should  the  attempt  to  de- 
stroy the  city  succeed,  numerous  difficulties  would 
present  themselves,  v/hich  might  be  avoided,  so  long 
as  he  could  hold  the  enemy  in  check.  Prompted 
by  these  considerations,  and  believing  it  attainable 
m  no  way  so  effectually  as  in  occupying  some  point, 
and,  by  the  strength  he  might  give  it,  compensqte 
for  the  inferiority  of  his  numbers,  and  their  want 
of  discipline,  he  determined  to  forbear  all  further 
offensive  efforts  until  he  could  more  certainly  dis- 
cover the  views  of  the  enemy,  and  until  the  Ken- 
tucky troops  should  reach  him.  Pursuing  this  idea, 
at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  having  ordered  Co- 
lonel Hinds  to  occupy  the  ground  he  was  then  aban- 
doning, and  to  observe  the  enemy  closely,  he  fell 
back,  and  formed  his  line  behind  a  deep  ditch  that 
stretched  to  the  swam.p  at  right  angles  from  the 
river.  There  were  two  circumstances  recommend- 
ing the  importance  of  this  place  :  the  swamp,  which, 
from  the  high  lands,  at  Baton  Rouge,  skirts  the  riv- 
er at  irregular  distances,  and  in  many  places  is  al- 
most impervious,  had  here  approaclied  within  four 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON.  247 

hundred  yards  of  the  Mississippi,  and  licrxce,  from 
the  narrowness  of  the  pass,  was  more  easily  to  he 
defended  ;  added  to  which,  there  was  a  deep  canal, 
whence  the  dirt,  being  thrown  on  the  upper  side,  al- 
ready formed  a  tolerable  work  of  defence.  Behind 
.  this  his  troops  were  formed,  and  proper  measures 
adopted  for  increasing  its  strength,  with  a  deter- 
mination never  to  abandon  it. 

Promptitude  in  decision,  and  activity  in  execu- 
tion, constituted  the  leading  traits  of  Jackson's  char- 
acter. No  sooner  had  he  resolved  on  the  course 
which  he  thought  necessary  to  be  pursued,  than  with 
every  possible  despatcli  he  hastened  to  its  comple- 
tion. Before  him  was  an  army  proud  of  its  name, 
and  distinguished  for  its  deeds  of  valour  ;  oppos- 
ed to  which  was  liis  own  unbending  spirit,  and  an 
inferior,  undisciplined  and  unarmed  forge.  He  con- 
ceived, therefore,  that  his  was  a  defensive  policy : 
that,  by  prudence,  he  should  be  able  to  preserve 
what  offensive  operation  might  have  a  tendency  to 
endanger.  Hence,  with  activity  and  industry,  bas- 
ed on  a  hope  of  ultimate  success,  he  commenced  hi? 
plan  of  defence,  determining  to  fortify  himself  eiTect- 
ually,  as  the  peril  and  pressure  of  the  moment  would 
permit.  When  to  expect  attack  he  could  not  tell; 
readiness  to  meet  it  was  for  him  to  determine  on  ;  all 
else  was  for  the  enemy.  Promptly,  therefore,  he  pro- 
ceeded with  his  system  of  defence  :  and  with  such 
anxiety,  that,  until  the  night  of  the  27th,  when  his  line 
was  completed,  he  never  slept,  or  for  a  m.oment 
closed  his  eyes.  Resting  his  hope  of  safety  here, 
he  was  every  where,  through  the  night,  present,  en- 
couraging his  troops,  and  hastening  a  complet'on  of 
the  work.  The  excitement  produced  by  the  mighty 
object  before  him  was  such  as  overcame  the  demand 


243  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    J.4GKS0N. 

of  nature,  and  for  live  days  and  four  nights  he  was 
without  sleep,  and  constantly  employed.  His  line 
of  defence  being  completed  on  the  night  of  the 
27th,  he,  for  the  first  time  since  the  arrival  of  the 
enemy,  retired  to  rest  and  repose. 

The  soldier  who  has  stood  the  shock  of  battle, 
and  knows  what  slight  circumstances  oftentimes 
produce  decided  advantages,  will  be  able  to  appre- 
ciate the  events  of  this  night.  Although  the  dread- 
ful carnage  of  the  Sth  of  January,  hereafter  to  be 
told,  was  in  fact  the  finishing  blow,  that  struck  down 
the  towering  hopes  of  those  invaders,  yet  in  the 
battle  of  the  23d  is  there  to  be  found  abundant 
cause  why  success  resulted  to  our  arms.  The  Brit- 
ish had  reached  the  Mississippi  without  the  fire  of 
a  gun,  and»encamped  upon  its  banks  as  composed- 
ly as  if  they  had  been  seated  on  their  own  soil. 
These  were  circumstances  which  awakened  a  be 
lief  that  they  expected  little  opposition,  were  C3r- 
tain  of  success,  and  that  the  troops  with  whom 
they  were  to  contend  would  scarcely  venture  to  re- 
sist them :  resting  thus  confidently  in  the  exp3cta- 
tion  of  success,  they  would  the  next  day  have  mov- 
ed forward,  and  succeeded  in  the  accomplishment 
of  their  designs.  Jackson,  convinced  that  an  ear- 
ly impression  was  essential  to  ultimate  success,  had 
resolved  to  assail  them  at  the  moment  of  their  land- 
ing, and  "  attack  them  in  their  first  position  :"  we 
have,  therefore,  seen  him,  with  a  force  inferior,  by 
one  half,  to  that  of  the  enemy,  at  an  unexpected 
moment,  break  into  their  camp,  and,  v.'ith  his  undis- 
ciplined yeomanry,  drive  before  him  the  pride  of 
England,  and  the  conquerors  of  Europe.  It  was 
an  event  that  could  not  fail  to  destroy  all  previous 
theories,  and  establish  a  conclusion,  which  our  en- 


Lirr:  or  GcrsERAL  jackson.  '210 

emy  had  not  before  formed,  that  they  were  coti' 
tending  against  valour  inferior  to  none  they  had 
seen;— before  which  their  own  bravery  had  not 
stood,  nor  their  skill  availed  them :  it  had  the  ef- 
fect of  satisfying  them,  that  the  quantity  and  kind 
of  troops  it  was  in  our  power  to  wield,  must  be  dif- 
ferent from  any  thing  that  had  been  represented  to 
them  ;  for,  much  as  they  had  heard  of  the  courage 
of  the  man  with  whom  they  were  contending,  they 
could  not  suppose,  that  a  general,  having  a  country 
to  defend,  and  a  reputation  to  preserve,  would  ven- 
ture to  attack,  on  their  own  chosen  ground,  a  great 
ly  superior  army,  and  one,  which,  by  the  numerous 
victories  it  had  achieved,  had  already  acquired  a 
fame  in  arms ;  they  were  convinced  that  his  force 
must  greatly  surpass  what  they  had  expected,  and 
be  composed  of  materials  different  from  what  they 
had  imagined. 

The  American  troops,  which  were  actually  en- 
gaged, did  not  amount  to  two  thousand  men  :  they 
consisted  of  part  of 

Coffee's  brigade  and  Captain  Seal's  coru.pany,  648 
The  7th  and  44th  regiments,         -  -  763 

Company  of  marines  and  artillery,       -         -       82 
Plauche's  and  Daquin's  battalions,  -  4S8 

And  the  Mississippi  dragoons  under  Colonel  )     ^gg 

Hinds,  not  in  the  action,       -         -  I 


which,  for  more  than  "an  hour,  maintained  a  severe 
conflict  with  a  force  of  four  or  five  thousand,  and 
retired  in  safety  from  the  ground,  with  the  loss  of 


*  Tliis  statement  may  be  relied  on  ;  it  was  riirnisiied  to  the  au- 
thor by  Colonel  Robert  Butler,  adjutant-general  of  the  s&ullieiT. 
Jlvision,  who  assured  him  it  was  correci. 


250  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON 

but  twenty -four  killed,  one  hundred  and  fifteen 
wounded,  and  seventy-four  made  prisoners  ;  wliile 
(he  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  of  the  enemy, 
were  not  less  than  four  hundred. 

Our  officers  and  soldiers  executed  every  order 
with  promptitude,  and  nobly  sustained  their  coun- 
try's character.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Lauderdale, 
of  Coffee's  brigade,  an  officer  of  great  promise,  and 
on  whom  every  reliance  was  placed,  fell  at  his  post, 
and  at  his  duty :  he  had  entered  the  service,  and 
descended  the  river  witli  the  volunteers  under  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  in  the  winter  of  1S12,  passed  through 
all  the  hardships  of  the  Creek  >var,  and  had  ever 
manifested  a  readiness  to  act  when  nis  country 
needed  his  services.  Young,  brave,  and  skilful,  he 
had  already  afforded  evidences  of  a  capacity,  wliich 
miglit,  in  future,  have  become  useful ;  his  exemplary 
conduct,  both  in  civil  and  military  life,  had  acquired 
for  him  a  respect,  that  rendered  his  fall  a  subject 
of  general  regret.  Lieutenant  M'Lelland,  a  valua- 
ble young  officer  of  the  7th,  was  also  among  the 
number  of  the  slain. 

Coffee's  brigade,  during  the  action,  bravely  sup- 
ported the  character  they  had  established.  The 
unequal  contest  in  which  they  were  engaged  i.-ever 
occurred,  nor,  for  a  moment,  che'cked  the  rapidity 
of  their  advance.  Had  the  British  known  vhey 
were  riflemen,  without  bayonets,  a  firm  stand  would 
nave  arrested  their  progress,  and  destruction  or 
capture  would  have  been  the  inevitable  conse- 
quence ;  but  this  being  unknown,  every  charge 
tl'jy  made  was  crowned  with  success.  Officers, 
from  the  highest  to  inferior  grades,  discharged 
what  had  been  expected  of  tl^iem.  Ensign  Leach, 
of  Uie  Tth  rQgimcnt,  being  wounded  tlirough  tJio 


LIFk,    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  251 

bojy,  still  remained  at  his  pest,  and  in  the  per- 
turmance  of  his  duty.  Colonel  Reuben  Kemper, 
amidst  the  confusion  introduced  on  the  left  wino-, 
found  himself  at  the  head  of  a  handful  of  men,  de- 
tached from  the  main  body,  and  in  the  midst  of  a 
party  of  the  enemy :  to  attempt  resistance  was  idle  : 
he  sought  safety  through  stratagem.  Calling  to  a 
group  of  soldiers  who  were  near,  in  a  positive  tone, 
he  demanded  of  them  where  their  regiment  was  : 
lost  themselves,  they  were  unable  to  answer ;  but, 
supposing  him  one  of  their  own  officers,  they  assent- 
ed to  his  orders,  and  followed  him  to  his  own  line, 
where  they  were  made  prisoners. 

The  7th  regiment,  commanded  by  Major  Piere, 
and  the  44th,  under  Major  Baker,  aided  by  Major 
Butler,  gallantly  maintained  the  conflict,  forced  the 
enemy  from  every  secure  position  he  attempted  to 
occupy,  and  drove  him  a  mile  from  the  first  point  of 
attack.  Confiding  in  themselves,  and  their  gene- 
ral, who  was  constantly  with  them,  exposed  to  dan- 
ger, and  in  the  midst  of  the  fight,  inspiring  by  his 
ardour,  and  encouraging  by  his  example,  they  ad- 
vanced to  the  conflict,  nor  evinced  a  disposition  to 
leave  it  until  the  prudence  of  their  commander  di- 
rected them  to  retire. 

From  the  violence  of  the  assault,  the  fears  of  the 
British  h.ad  been  greatly  excited :  to  keep  their  ap- 
^.3hensions  alive  was  considered  important,  with  a 
\..ew  to  destroy  the  overweening  confidence  witli 
which  they  had  arrived  on  our  shores,  and  to  com- 
pel them  to  act,  for  a  time,  upon  the  defensive.  To 
effect  this.  General  Coffee,  with  his  brigade,  waa 
ordered  down,  on  the  morninfT  of  the  24th,  to  unite 
with  Colonel  Hinds,  and  «r*ake  a  show  in  the  rear 
of  Lacosle's  plantation      The  eneray,  not  yet  re- 


252  LIFE    OF    GKNERAL    JACKSON. 

covered  of  the  panic  of  the  preceding  evening,  be 
lieved  it  was  in  contemplation  lo  urge  another  at- 
tack, and  immediately  formed  themselves  to  repel 
it ;  but  Coffee,  having  succeeded  in  recovering  some 
of  his  liorses,  v/hich  were  wandering  along  the  mar- 
gin of  the  swamp,  and  in  regaining  part  of  the  cloth 
ing  which  his  troops  had  lost  the  night  before,  re- 
turned to  the  line,  leaving  them  to  conjecture  the 
objects  of  his  movement. 

The  scanty  supply  of  clothes  and  blankets  that 
remained  to  the  soldiers,  from  their  long  and  expos- 
ed marches,  had  been  left  where  they  dismounted 
to  meet  the  enemy.  Their  numbers  were  too  lim- 
ited, and  the  strength  of  their-  opponents  too  well 
ascertained,  for  any  part  of  their  force  to  remain 
and  take  care  of  what  was  left  behind  :  it  was  so 
essential  to  hasten  on,  reach  their  destination,  and 
be  ready  to  act  v.-hen  the  signal  from  the  Caroline 
should  announce  their  co-operation  necessary,  that 
no  time  was  afforded  them  to  secure  their  horses ; 
— they  were  turned  loose,  and  their  recovery  trust- 
ed to  chance.  Although  many  were  regained, 
many  were  lost;  while  most  of  the  men  remained 
with  a  single  suit,  to  encounter,  in  the  open  field, 
and  in  swamps  covered  with  water,  the  hardships 
of  camp,  and  the  severity  of  winter.  It  is  a  circmi- 
Btance  which  entitles  them  to  much  credit,  that, 
under  privations  so  oppressive,  complaints  were 
never  heard.  This  state  of  tilings  was  not  of  long 
continuance.  The  story  of  their  sufferings  was  no 
Booner  known,  than  the  legislature  appropriated  a 
Bum  of  money  for  their  relief,  which  was  greatly 
increased  by  subscriptions  in  the  city  and  neigh- 
bourhood. Materials  being  purchased,  the  ladies, 
with  tliat  warmth  of  heart  characteristic  of  their 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  253 

Bex,  at  once  exerted  themselves  in  removing  theii 
distresses  :  all  their  industry  was  called  into  action, 
and,  in  a  little  time,  the  suffering  soldier  was  re- 
lieved. Such  generous  conduct,  in  extending  as- 
sistance at  a  moment  when  it  was  so  much  needed, 
while  it  conferred  on  those  females  the  highest  hon- 
our, could  not  fail  to  nerve  the  arm  of  the  brave 
with  new  zeal  for  the  defence  of  their  benefactress- 
es. This  distinguished  mark  of  their  benevolence 
is  still  remembered  ;  and  often  as  these  valiant  men 
are  heard  to  recount  the  dangers  they  have  passed, 
they  breathe  a  sentiment  of  gratitude  to  those  who 
conferred  upon  them  such  distinguished  marks  of 
tlieir  kindness. 

To  keep  up  a  show  of  resistance,  detachments 
of  light  troops  were  occasionally  kept  in  front  of 
the  line,  harassing  the  enemy's  advanced  posts 
whenever  an  opportunity  was  offered.  Every  moment 
that  could  be  gained,  and  every  delay  that  could  be 
extended  to  the  enemy's  attempts  to  reach  the  city, 
was  of  the  utmost  importance.  The  works  were 
rapidly  progressing,  and  hourly  increasing  in 
strength.  The  militia  of  the  state  were  every  day 
arriving,  and  every  day  the  prospect  of  successful 
opposition  was  brightening. 

The  enemy  still  remained  at  his  first  encamp- 
ment. To  be  in  readiness  to  repel  an  assault  when 
•attempted,  the  most  active  exertions  Vi^ere  made  on 
the  24th  and  2oth.  The  canal,  covering  the  front 
of  our  line,  was  deepened  and  widened,  and  a 
strong  inud  wall  formed  of  the  earth  thrown  out 
To  prevent  any  approach  until  his  system  of  defence 
should  be  in  greater  forwardness,  Jackson  ordered 
the  levee  to  be  cut,  about  a  hundred  yards  below 
the  point  he  had  occupied.  The  river  being  very 
2-2 


254  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

high,  9  broad  stream  of  water  passed  rapidly  throiig-h 
the  plain,  of  the  depth  of  thirty  or  forty  inches 
which  prevented  any  approach  of  troops  on  foot 
Embrasures  were  formed,  and  two  pieces  of  artil- 
lery, under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Spotts,  early 
on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  were  placed  in  a  posi- 
tion to  rake  the  road  leading  up  the  levee. 

He  was  under  constant  apprehensions,  lest,  in 
spite  of  his  exertions  below,  the  city  might,  through 
some  other  route,  be  reached  ;  and  those  fears  were 
increased  to-day,  by  a  report  that  a  strong  force  had 
arrived,  and  debarked  at  the  head  of  Lake  Borgne. 
This,  however,  proved  to  be  unfounded  :  the  enemy 
had  not  appeared  in  that  direction,  nor  had  the  offi- 
cer, to  whom  was  intrusted  the  command  of  this 
fort,  so  much  relied  on,  forgotten  his  duty,  or  for- 
saken his  post.  Acting  upon  the  statement  that 
Major  Lacoste  had  retired  from  the  fort,  and  fallen 
back  on  Bayou  St.  John,  and  incensed  that  orders, 
which,  from  their  importance,  should  have  been 
faithfully  executed,  had  been  thus  lightly  regarded, 
he  hastened  to  inform  him  what  he  had  understood, 
and  to  forbid  his  leaving  his  position.  "  The  bat- 
tery I  have  placed  under  your  command  must  be 
defended  at  all  hazards.  In  you,  and  the  valour  of 
your  troops,  I  repose  every  confidence  ; — let  me  not 
be  deceived.  With  us  every  thing  goes  on  well : 
the  enemy  has  not  yet  advance-d.  Our  troops  have 
covered  themselves  with  glory :  it  is  a  noble  ex- 
ample, and  worthy  to  be  followed  by  all.  Maintain 
your  post,  nor  ever  think  of  retreating."  To  give 
additional  strength  to  a  place  deemed  so  important, 
to  inspire  confidence,  and  ensure  safety.  Colonel 
Dyer  and  two  hundred  men  were  ordered  to  assist 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  255 

in  its  defence,  and  act  as  videttes,  in  advance  of  the 
occupied  points. 

General  Morgan,  who,  at  the  English  Turn,  com- 
manded the  fort  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river,  was 
instructed  to  proceed  as  near  the  enemy's  camp  as 
prudence  would  permit,  and,  by  destroying  the  levee* 
to  let  in  the  waters  of  the  Mississippi  between  them 
The  execution  of  this  order,  and  a  similar  one,  pre- 
viously made,  below  the  line  of  defence,  had  entire- 
ly insulated  tlie  enemy,  and  prevented  his  march 
against  either  place.  On  the  26th,  however,  the 
commanding  general,  fearing  for  the  situation  of 
Morgan,  who,  from  the  British  occupying  the  inter- 
mediate ground,  was  entirely  detached  from  his 
camp,  directed  him  to  abandon  his  encampment, 
carry  off  such  of  the  cannon  as  might  be  wanted, 
and  throw  the  remainder  into  the  river,  where  they 
could  be  again  recovered  when  the  waters  reced- 
ed ;  to  retire  to  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  as- 
sume a  position  on  the  right  bank,  nearly  opposite 
to  his  line,  and  have  it  fortified.  This  movement 
was  imposed  by  the  relative  disposition  of  the  two 
armies.  Necessity,  not  choice,  made  it  essential 
that  St.  Leon  should  be  abandoned. 

From  every  intelligence,  obtained  through  de- 
serters and  prisoners,  it  was  evident  that  the  Britislr 
fleet  would  make  an  effort  to  ascend  the  river,  and 
co-operate  with  the  troops  already  landed.  Lest 
this,  or  a  diversion  in  a  different  quarter,  might  be 
attempted,  exertions  were  made  to  interpose  such 
defences  on  the  Mississippi  as  might  assure  protec- 
tion. The  forts  on  the  river,  well  supported  with 
bravo  men,  and  heavy  pieces  of  artillery,  m.ight, 
perhaps,  have  the  effect  to  deter  their  shipping  from 
venturing  in  that  direction,  and  dibpose  them  to  seek 


256  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

some  safer  route,  if  any  could  be  discovered.  Pass 
Barrataria  was  best  calculated  for  this  purpose. 
The  ditBculty  of  ascending  the  Mississippi,  from  the 
rapidity  of  the  current,  its  winding  course,  and  the 
ample  protection  given  at  Forts  St.  Philip  and  Bour- 
bon, were  circumstances  to  which,  it  was  not  to  be 
inferred,  the  British  were  strangers.  It  was  a 
more  rational  conjecture  that  they  would  seek  a 
passage  through  Barrataria,  proceed  up  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  river,  and  gain  a  position  whence, 
co-operating  with  the  forces  on  the  east  side,  they 
might  drive  our  troops  from  the  line  they  had  form- 
ed. Major  Reynolds  was  acccordingly  ordered 
thither,  with  instructions  to  place  the  bayous,  emp- 
tying through  this  pass,  in  the  best  possible  state 
of  defence* — to  occupy  the  island — to  mount  suffi- 
cient ordnance,  and  draw  a  chain,  within  cannon- 
shot,  across,  and  protect  it  from  approach.  Lafite 
who  had  been  heretofore  promised  pardon  for  the 
outrages  he  had  committed  against  the  laws  of 
the  United  States,  was  also  despatched  with  Rey- 
nolds. He  was  selected,  because  his  knowledge  of 
the  topography  and  precise  situation  of  this  section 
of  the  state  was  remarkably  correct:  i^  was  the 
point  where  he  had  constantly  rendezvoused,  dur- 
ing the  time  of  cruising  agamst  the  merchant  ves- 
sels of  Spain,  under  a  commission  obtained  at  Car- 
thagena,  and  where  he  had  become  perfectly  ac- 
quainted with  every  inlet  and  entrance  to  tJie  gulf 
through  which  a  passage  could  be  effected. 

With  these  arrangements — treason  apart — all 
anxiously  alive  to  the  mtercst  of  the  country,  and 
disposed  to  protect  it,  there  was  little  room  to  ap- 
prehend disaster.  To  use  the  general's  ov/n  expres- 
t>ion,  on  another  occasion,  "  the  surest  defence,  and 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  25Y 

one  whicli  seldom  failed  of  success,  was  a  rampart 
of  liigh-minded  and  brave  men."  There  were  some 
of  this  description  with  him,  on  whom  he  could 
safely  rely,  in  moments  of  extreme  peril. 

As  yet  the  enemy  were  uninformed  of  the  posi- 
tion of  Jackson.     They  had  been  constantly  engag- 
ed, since  their  landing,  in  procuring  from  their  ship- 
ping every  thing  necessary  to  ulterior  operations 
A.  complete  command  on  the  lakes,  and  possession 
of  a  point  on  the  margin,  presented  an  uninterrupt 
ed  ingress  and  egress,  and  afforded  the  opportunit} 
of  conveying  whatever  was  wanted,  in  perfect  safe- 
ty, to  their  camp.     The  lieight  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  the  discliarge  of  water  through  the  openings 
made  in  the  levee,  had  given  an  increased  depth  to 
the  canal,  from  which  they  had  first  debarked,  en- 
abled them  to  advance  their  boats  much  farther,  in 
the  direction  of  their  encampment,  and  to  bring  up 
their  artillery,  bombs,  and  munitions.     Thus  engag- 
ed, during  the  first  three  days  after  their  arrival, 
early  on  °the  morning  of  the  27th,  a  battery  was 
discovered  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  erected  during 
the  preceding  night,  and  on  which  were  mounted 
several  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance  ;  from  this  position 
a  fire  was  opened  on  the  Caroline  schooner,  lying 
under  tiie  opposite  shore. 

After  the  battle  of  the  23d,  in  which  this  vessel 
had  so  effectually  aided,  she  had  passed  to  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  river,  where  she  had  since  lain. 
Her  services  were  too  highly  appreciated  not  to  be 
again  desired,  in  the  event  tlie  enemy  should  en- 
deavour to  advance.  Her  present  situation  was 
considered  unsafe,  but  it  had  been  essayed  in  vain 
to  advance  her  higher  up  the  stream.  No  favoura- 
ule  breeze  had  yet  arisen  to  aid  her  in  stemming^ 
22  * 


258  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

the  current ;  and  towing,  and  other  remedies,  had 
been  resorted  to  without  success.  Her  safety  might 
have  been  ensured  by  floating  her  down  the  river, 
and  placing  her  under  cover  of  the  guns  of  the  fort, 
though  it  was  preferred,  as  a  matter  of  policy,  to 
risk  her  where  she  was,  hourly  calculating  that  a 
favourable  wind  might  relieve  her,  rather  than,  by 
dropping  her  with  the  current,  lose  those  benefits 
which,  against  an  advance  of  the  enemy,  it  might 
be  in  her  power  to  extend.  Commodore  Patterson 
had  left  her  on  the  26th,  by  the  orders  of  the  general, 
when  Captain  Henly  made  a  further,  but  ineffectual 
effort  to  force  her  up  the  current,  near  the  line,  for 
the  double  purpose  of  its  defence  and  for  her  own 
safety. 

These  attempts  to  remove  her  being  discovered 
at  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  a  battery, 
mounting  five  guns,  opened  upon  her,  discharging 
bombs  and  red-hot  shot:  it  was  spiritedly  answered, 
but  without  affecting  the  battery  ;  there  being  but 
a  long  twelve  pounder  that  could  reach.  The  sec- 
ond  fire  had  lodged  a  hot  shot  in  the  hold,  directly 
under  her  cables,  whence  it  could  not  be  removed, 
and  where  it  immediately  communicated  fire  to  the 
schooner.  The  shot  from  the  battery  were  con- 
stantly taking  effect,  firing  her  in  different  places  j 
while  the  blaze,  already  kindled  under  her  cables, 
was  rapidly  extending.  A  well-grounded  appre- 
hension of  her  commander,  that  she  could  be  no 
longer  defended,  induced  a  fear  lest  the  magazine 
should  be  reached,  and  every  thing  destroyed.  One 
of  his  crew  being  killed,  and  six  wounded,  and  nol 
a  glimmering  of  hope  entertained  that  she  could  be 
preserved,  orders  were  given  to  abandon  her.    The 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  259 

crew  in  safety  reached  the  shore,  and  in  a  short 
time  she  blew  up. 

Although  unexpectedly  deprived  of  so  material 
a  dependence,  an  opportunity  was  soon  presented  of 
using-  her  brave  crew  to  advantage.  Gathermcr 
confidence  from  what  had  been  just  effected,  the 
enemy  left  thi^ir  encampment,  and  moved  in  the  di- 
rection of  our  line.  Their  numbers  had  been  in- 
creased, and  Major-General  Sir  Edward  Packenham 
now  commanded  in  person.  Early  on  the  28th.  his 
columns  commenced  their  advance  to  storm  oui 
works.  At  the  distance  of  half  a  mile,  their  heavy 
artillery  opened,  and  quantities  of  bombs,  balls,  and 
congreve  rockets,  were  discharged.  It  was  a 
Bcene  of  terror,  which  they  had  probably  calculat 
ed  would  excite  a  panic  in  the  minds  of  the  raw 
troops  of  our  army,  and  compel  them  to  surrender 
at  discretion.  Their  congreve  rockets,  though  a 
kind  of  instrument  of  destruction  to  whicJi  our 
troops,  unskilled  in  the  science  of  warfare,  had  beer 
hitherto  strangers,  excited  no  other  feeling  than 
that  which  novelty  inspires.  At  the  moment,  there- 
fore, that  the  British,  in  different  columns,  were 
moving  up,  in  all  the  pomp  of  battle,  preceded  by 
these  insignia  of  terror,  more  than  danger,  and  were 
expecting  to  behold  their  "  Yankee  foes"  flee  be- 
fore them,  our  batteries  halted  their  advance. 

In  addition  to  the  tv/o  pieces  of  cannon,  mounted 
on  our  works  on  the  24th,  three  others,  of  heavy 
caliber,  obtained  from  the  navy  department,  had 
been  formed  along  the  line  ;  these,  opening  on  the 
enemy,  checked  their  progress,  and  disclosed  to 
them  the  hazard  of  the  project  they  were  on.  LieU' 
tenants  Crawley  and  Norris  volunteered,  and. 
With  the  crew  of  the  Caroline,  maintained,  at  the 


260  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON 

guns  they  commanded,  tliat  firmness  and  decision 
for  wliich  they  had  been  so  highly  distinguished. 
They  had  been  selected  by  the  general,  because  of 
their  superior  knowledge  in  gunnery,  and,  on  this 
occasion,  gave  a  further  evidence  of  their  skill,  and 
of  a  disposition  to  act  in  any  situation  where  they 
could  be  serviceable.  The  line,  which,  from  the 
labours  bestowed  on  it,  was  daily  strengthening, 
was  not  yet  in  a  situation  effectually  to  resist ;  this 
deficiency,  however,  was  well  remedied  by  the 
brave  men  who  were  formed  in  its  rear. 

From  the  river  the  greatest  injury  was  effected. 
Lieutenant  Thompson,  who  commanded  the  Louis- 
iana sloop,  opposite  the  line  of  defence,  no  sooner 
discovered  the  columns  approaching,  than,  warping 
her  around,  he  brought  her  starboard  guns  to  bear, 
and  forced  them  to  retreat :  but,  from  their  heavy 
artillery,  the  enemy  maintained  the  conflict  with 
great  spirit,  constantly  discharging  their  bombs  and 
rockets  for  seven  hours,  when,  unable  to  make  a 
breach,  or  silence  the  fire  from  the  sloop,  they 
abandoned  a  contest  where  few  advantages  seemed 
to  be  presented.  The  crew  of  this  vessel  was  com- 
posed of  new  recruits,  and  of  discordant  materials, 
— of  soldiers,  citizens,  and  seamen  ;  yet,  by  the  ac- 
tivity of  their  commander,  were  they  so  well  per- 
fected in  duty,  that  they  already  managed  their 
guns  with  the  greatest  certainty  of  effect ;  and,  by 
three  o'clock  in  the  evening,  with  the  aid  of  the 
land  batteries,  had  completely  driven  back  the  en- 
emy. Lnboldened  by  the  effect  produced  the  day 
before  on  the  Caroline,  the  furnaces  of  tlie  enemy 
were  put  in  operation,  and  numbers  of  hot  shot 
thrown  from  a  heavy  piece,  which  was  protected  by 
tlie  levee.     An  artempt  was  made  to  carry  it  off. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  261 

In  their  endeavours  to  remove  it,  "  I  saw,"  says 
Commodore  Patterson,  "  distinctly,  with  the  aid  of 
a.  glass,  several  balls  strike  in  the  midst  of  the  men 
who  were  employed  in  dragging  it  away."  In  this 
engagement,  waged  for  seven  hours,  we  received 
little  or  no  injury.  The  Louisiana  sloop,  against 
which  the  most  violent  exertions  were  made,  had 
but  a  single  man  wounded,  by  the  fragments  of  a 
shell,  which  burst  over  her  deck.  Our  entire  loss 
did  not  exceed  nine  killed,  and  eight  or  ten  wound- 
ed. The  enemy,  being  more  exposed,  acting  in 
the  open  field,  and  in  range  of  our  guns,  suffered 
considerable  injury ;  at  least  one  hundred  and 
twenty  were  killed  and  wounded. 

Among  the  killed,  on  our  side,  was  Colonel  James 
Henderson,  of  the  Tennessee  militia.  An  advance 
party  of  the  British  had,  during  the  action,  taken 
post  behind  a  fence  that  ran  obliquely  to  our  line. 
Henderson,  with  a  detachment  of  two  hundred  men, 
was  sent  out  by  General  Carroll  to  drive  them  from 
a  position  whence  they  were  greatly  annoying  our 
troops.  Had  he  advanced  in  the  manner  directed, 
he  would  have  been  less  exposed,  and  more  effect- 
ually secured  the  object  intended ;  but,  misunder- 
standing the  order,  he  proceeded  in  a  different 
route,  and  fell  a  victim  to  his  error.  Instead  of 
marching  in  the  direction  of  the  wood,  and  turning 
the  enemy,  which  might  have  cut  off  their  retreat, 
lie  proceeded  in  front,  towards  the  river,  leaving 
them  in  rear  of  the  fence,  and  himself  and  his  detach- 
ment exposed.  His  mistake  being  perceived  from 
the  line,  he  was  called  by  the  adjutant-general,  and 
directed  to  return ;  but  the  noise  of  the  waters, 
through  which  they  were  wading,  prevented  any 
communication.      Having  reached  a  knoll  of  dry. 


262  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

ground,  he  attempted  the  execution  of  his  order  ,  but 
Boon  fell,  by  a  wound  in  the  head.  Deprived  of 
their  commander,  and  perceiving  their  situation 
hazardous,  the  detachment  retreated  to  the  line, 
with  the  loss  of  their  colonel  and  five  men. 

While  this  advance  was  made,  a  column  of  the 
enemy  was  threatening  our  extreme  left  ;  to  frus- 
trate the  attempt,  Coffee  was  ordered  with  his  rifle- 
men to  hasten  through  the  woods,  and  check  their 
approach.  The  enemy,  greatly  superior  to  him  in 
numbers,  no  sooner  discovered  his  movement  tlian 
they  retired,  and  abandoned  the  attack  they  had 
meditated. 

A  supposed  disaffection  in  New  Orleans,  and  an 
enemy  in  front,  were  circumstances  well  calculated 
to  excite  unpleasant  forebodings.  General  Jackson 
believed  it  necessary  to  his  security,  while  contend- 
ing with  avowed  foes,  not  to  be  wholly  inattentive 
to  dangers  at  home  ;  but,  by  guarding  vigilantly,  to 
be  able  to  suppress  any  treasonable  purpose  the 
moment  it  should  be  developed.  Previously  to  de- 
parting from  the  city,  on  the  evening  of  the  23d, 
he  ordered  Major  Butler,  his  aid,  to  remain  with 
the  guards,  and  be  vigilant  that  nothing  transpired 
in  his  absence  calculated  to  operate  injuriously.  Ills 
foars  that  there  were  many  of  the  inhabitants,  who 
felt  no  attachment  to  the  government,  and  would  not 
Bcruple  to  surrender,  whenever,  prompted  by  their 
interest,  it  sliould  become  necessary,  have  been  no- 
ticed. In  this  belief,  subsequent  circumstances  evinc- 
ed there  was  no  mistake,  and  showed  that  to  his 
energy  is  to  be  ascribed  the  cause  the  country  was 
saved.  It  is  a  fact,  which  was  disclosed  on  making 
an  exchange  of  prisoners,  that,  in  despite  of  all  our 
efforts,  the.  enemy  were   daily  apprized  of  every 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON  2&3 

thing  that  transpired  in  our  camp.     Every  arrang-e- 
inentj  and  every  change  of  position,  was  immediate- 
ly  commimicated.     "  Nothing,"  remarked  a  British 
ofncer,  at  the  close  of  the  invasion,  "  was  kept  a 
secret   from   us,   except  your    numbers  ;    this,  al- 
though diligently  sought,  could  never  be  procured." 
Between  the  23d  and  the  attack,  on  the  28th,  to 
carry  our  line.  Major  Butler,  who  still  remained  in 
the  city,  was  applied  to  by  Fulwar  Skipwith,  speak- 
er of  the  senate,  to  ascertain  the  commanding  gen- 
eral's views,  provided  he  should  be  driven  from  liis 
line   of    encampment,    and    compelled    to   retreat 
through  the  city ;  would  he,  in  that  event,  destroy 
it.^  It  was,  indeed,  a  curious  inquiry  from  one  who, 
having  spent  his  life  in  serving  his  country,  might 
better  have  understood  the  duty  of  a  subordinate 
officer ;  and  that,  even  if,  from  his  situation.  Major 
Butler  had  so  far  acquired  the  confidence  of  his 
general  as  to  have  become  acquainted  with  Jiis  de- 
signs, he  was  not  at  liberty  to  divulge  them,  with- 
out destroying  confidence,   and.  acting  criminally. 
On  asking  the  cause  of  the  inquiry,  Mr.  Skipwith 
replied,  it  was  understood  that,  if  driven  from  his 
position,  and  made  to  retreat  upon  the  city,  General 
Jackson  had  it  in  contemplation  to  lay  it  in  ruins  ; 
the  legislature,  he  said,  desired  information  on  this 
subject,  that,  if  such  were  his  intentions,  they  might, 
by  offering  terms  of  capitulation,  avert  so  serious  a 
calamity.     That  a  sentiment,  having  for  its  object 
a  surrender  of  the  city,  should  be  entertained  by 
this  body,  was  scarcely  credible  ;  yet  a  few  days 
brought  the  certainty  of  it  more  fully  to  view,  and 
showed  that  they  were  already  devising  plans  to 
ensure  the  safety  of  themselves  and  property  at  any 
sacrifice.     While  the  general  was  hastening  along 


264  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

the  line,  from  ordering  Coffee  against  a  column  of 
the  British  on  the  extreme  left,  he  was  hailed  by 
Mr.  Duncan,  one  of  his  volunteer  aids,  and  informed 
that  it  was  agitated,  secretly,  by  the  members  of 
the  legislature,  to  offer  terms  of  capitulation  to  the 
enemy,  and  proffer  a  surrender  ;  and  that  Governor 
Claiborne  awaited  his  orders  on  the  subject.    Poised 
as  was  the  result,  the  safety  or  fall  of  the  city  rest- 
ing in  uncertainty,  although  it  was  plainly  to  be 
perceived,  that,  with  a  strong  army  before  them,  no 
such  resolution  could  be  carried  into  effect,  yet  it 
might  be  productive  of  evil,  and,  in  the  end,  bring 
about  the  most  fatal  consequences.     Even  the  dis- 
closure of  such  a  wish,  on  the  part  of  the  legisla- 
tuie,  might  create  parties,  excite  opposition  in  the 
army,  and  "inspire  the  enemy  with  renewed  confi- 
dence.    The  Tennessee  forces,  and  Mississippi  vol- 
unteers, it  was  not  feared,  would  be  affected  by  the 
measure  ;  but  it  might  detach  the  Louisiana  militia, 
and  even  extend  itself  to  the  ranks  of  the  regular 
troops.     Jackson  was  greatly  incensed,  that  those, 
whose  safety  he  had  so  much  at  heart,  should  be 
seeking,  under  the  authority  of  office,  to  mar  his 
best  exertions.    He  was,  however,  too  warmly  press- 
ed at  the  moment, — for  the  battle  was  raging, — to 
give  it  the  attention  its  importance  merited ;  but, 
availing  himself  of  the  first  respite  from  the  vio- 
lence of  the  attack  waged  against  him,  he  apprized 
Governor  Claiborne  of  what  he  had  heard  ;  ordered 
him  closely  to  watch  the  conduct  of  the  legislature, 
and,  the  moment  the  project  of  offering  a  capitula- 
tion to  the  enemy  should  be  fully  disclosed,  to  place 
a  guard  at  the  door,  and  confine  them  to  their  cham- 
ber.    The  governor,  in  his  zeal  to  execute  the  com- 
mand, aad  from  a  fear  of  the  consequences  involved 


LIFE    OF    GENERAIi    JACKSON.  265 

m  such  conduct,  construed  as  imperative  an  order 
which  was  merely  contingent ;  and,  placing  an 
armed  force  at  the  door  of  the  capitol,  prevented 
the  members  from  convening,  and  their  schemes 
from  maturing. 

The  purport  of  this  order  was  misconceived  by 
the  governor  ;  or,  perhaps,  with  a  view  to  avoid  sub- 
sequent inconveniences,  was  designedly  mistaken. 
Jackson's  object  was  not  to  restrain  the  legislature 
in  the  discharge  of  their  official  duties ;  for,  al- 
though he  thought  that  such  a  moment,  when  the 
sound  of  the  cannon  was  constantly  pealing  in  their 
ears,  was  inauspicious  to  wholesome  legislation,  and 
that  it  would  have  better  comported  with  the  state 
of  the  times  for  them  to  abandon  their  civil  duties, 
and  appear  in  the  field,  yet  was  it  a  matter  indeli- 
cate to  be  proposed  ;  and  it  was  hence  preferred, 
tliat  they  should  adopt  whatever  course,  might  be 
suggested  by  their  own  notions  of  propriety.  Thia 
sentiment  would  have  been  still  adhered  to  ;  but 
when,  through  the  communication  of  Mr.  Duncan, 
they  were  represented  as  entertaining  schemes  ad- 
verse to  the  general  interest  of  the  country,  the  ne- 
cessity of  a  different  course  of  conduct  was  obvious 
But  he  did  not  order  Governor  Claiborne  to  interfere 
with  their  duties  ;  on  the  contrary,  he  was  instruct- 
ed, so  soon  as  any  thing  hostile  to  the  general 
cause  should  be  ascertained,  to  place  a  guavd  at 
the  door,  and  keep  the  numbers  to  their  duty.  "  My 
object  in  this,"  remarked  the  general,  ''was,  that 
then  they  would  be  able  to  proceed  with  their  business 
without  producing  the  slightest  injury :  whatever 
schemes  they  might  entertain  would  have  remained 
with  themselves,  without  the  power  of  circulating 
tliem  to  the  prejudice  of  any  other  interest  than 
23 


266  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON 

their  own.  Claiborne  mistook  my  order,  and,  instead 
of  shutting'  them  in  doors,  contrary  to  my  wishes, 
turned  them  out." 

Before  this  he  had  been  called  on  by  a  special 
committee  of  the  legislature  to  know  what  his  course 
would  be,  should  necessity  drive  him  from  his  posi 
tion.  "If,"  replied  the  general,  "  I  thought  the  hair 
of  my  head  could  divine  what  I  should  do,  I  would 
cut  it  off:  go  back  with  this  answer ;  say  to  your 
honourable  body,  that,  if  disaster  does  overtake  me, 
and  the  fate  of  war  drives  me  from  my  line  to  the 
city,  they  may  expect  to  have  a  very  warm  session." 
"  And  what  did  you  design  to  do,"  one  inquired, "  pro- 
vided you  had  been  forced  to  retreat?"  "I  should,'' 
he  replied,  "have  retreated  to  the  city,  fired  it,  and 
fought  the'  enemy  amidst  the  surrounding  flames. 
There  were  with  me  men  of  wealth,  owners  of 
considerable  property,  who,  in  such  an  event,  would 
have  been  amongst  the  foremost  to  have  applied  the 
torch  to  their  own  buildings ;  and  what  they  had 
left  undone,  I  should  have  completed.  Nothing  for 
the  comfortable  maintenance  of  the  enemy  would 
have  been  left  in  the  rear.  I  would  have  destroyed 
New  Orleans,  occupied  a  position  above  on  the 
river,  cut  off  all  supplies,  and  in  this  way  compel- 
led them  to  depart  from  the  country." 

We  shall  not  pretend  to  ascribe  this  conduct  to 
disaffection  to  the  government,  or  to  treasonable 
motives.  The  im.pulse  tUat  produced  it  was,  no 
doubt,  interest — a  principle  of  the  human  mind 
which  strongly  sways,  and  often  destroys,  its  best 
conclusions.  The  disparity  of  the  two  armies,  in 
numbers,  preparation,  and  discipline,  had  excited 
apprehension,  and  destroyed  hope.  Jf  Jackson 
were  driven  back.. — and  little  else  was  looked  for, — 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  267 

rumour  fixed  his  determiflation  of  devoting  the  city 
to  destruction ;  but,  even  if  such  were  not  his  in- 
centiouj  the  vengeance  of  tlie  enemy  might  be  fairly 
calculated  to  be  in  proportion  to  the  opposition  they 
should  receive.  The  government  was  represented 
in  the  person  of  the  commanding  general,  on  whom 
rested  all  responsibility,  and  whose  voice,  on  the 
subject  of  resistance  or  capitulation,  should  alone 
have  been  heard.  In  the  field  were  persons,  en- 
during hardships,  and  straining  every  nerve,  for  the 
general  safety.  A  few  of  the  members  of  their 
own  body,  too,  were  there,  who  did  not  despond.^ 

Additional  guards  v/ere  posted  along  the  swamp, 
on  both  sides  of  the  Mississippi,  to  arrest  all  inter- 
course ;  while  on  the  river,  the  common  highway 
watch-boats  v/ere  constantly  plying,  during  the 
night,  in  different  directions,  so  that  a  log  could 
scarcely  float  down  the  stream  unperceived.  Two 
flat-bottomed  boats,  on  a  dark  night,  v/ere  turned 
adrift  above,  to  ascertain  if  vigilance  were  preserv- 
ed, and  whether  there  v/ould  be  any  possibility  of 
escaping  the  guards,  and  passing  in  safety  to  the 
British  lines.  The  light  boats  discovered  them  oil 
their  passage,  and,  on  the  alarm  being  given,  they 
were  opened  upon  by  the  Louisiana  sloop,  the  bat- 
teries on  the  shore,  and  in  a  few  minutes  were 
sunk.  In  spite,  however,  of  every  precaution,  Trea- 
Bon  discovered  avenues,  through  which  to  project 
and  execute  her  nefarious  plans,  and  through  them 


*  Only  four  members  of  the  legislature  appeared  in  the  field  to 
Jefend  their  country.  We  regret  not  knowing  the  name  of  one 
•jf  these  persons  :  those  we  have  ascertained  are,  General  Gar- 
rigue  Fiojack,  Major  Eziel,  and  JNIr.  Bufort,  who,  abandoning 
their  civil  duties  for  the  fields  afibrded  examples  woithv  of  imita- 
tion. 


263  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

was  constantly  afforded  information  to  the  enemy , 
carried  to  them,  no  doubt,  by  adventurous  friends, 
who  effected  their  nightly  passage  through  the 
deepest  parts  of  the  swamp  where  it  was  impossi- 
ble for  sentinels  to  be  stationed. 

Great  inconvenience  was  sustained  for  tne  want 
of  arm.s,  and  much  anxiety  felt,  lest  the  enemy, 
through  their  faithful  adherents,  might,  on  this  sub- 
ject also,  obtain  information ;  to  prevent  it,  as  fzi 
as  possible.  General  Jackson  endeavoured  to  con- 
ceal the  strength  of  his  army,  by  suffering  his  re- 
ports to  be  seen  by  none  but  himself  and  the  adju- 
tant-general. Many  of  the  troops  in  the  field  were 
supplied  with  common  guns,  which  were  of  little 
service.  The  Kentucky  troops,  daily  expected, 
were  also  linderstood  to  be  badly  provided  with 
arms.  Uncertain  but  that  the  city  might  yet  con- 
tain many  articles  that  would  be  serviceable,  orders 
were  issued  to  the  mayor  of  New  Orleans,  direct- 
ing him  to  inquire  through  every  store  and  house, 
and  take  possession  of  all  the  muskets,  bayonets, 
spades  and  axes  he  could  find.  Understanding 
too,  there  were  many  yoimg  men,  who,  from  differ- 
ent pretexts,  had  not  appeared  in  the  field,  he  was 
instructed  to  obtain  a  register  of  every  man  in  the 
city,  under  the  age  of  fifty,  that  measures  might  be 
concerted  for  drawing  forth  those  who  had  hitherto 
appeared  backward  in  the  pending  contest. 

Frequent  light  skirmishes,  by  advanced  parties, 
without  material  effect  on  either  side,  vv-^ere  the  only 
incidents  that  took  place  for  several  days.  Colonel 
Hinds,  at  the  head  of  the  Mississippi  dragoons,  on 
the  30tli,  was  ordered  to  dislodge  a  party  of  the 
enemy,  who,  under  covei  of  a  ditch  that  ran  across 
the  plain,  were  annoying  our  fatigue  partie.3.     In 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  269 

his  advance,  he  was  unexpectedly  thrown  into  an 
ambuscade,  and  became  exposed  to  the  fire  of  a 
line,  which  had  hitherto  been  unobserved.  His 
collected  conduct,  and  gallant  deportment,  gained 
him  and  his  corps  the  approbation  of  the  command' 
ing  general,  and  extricated  him  from  the  danger  in 
which  he  was  placed.  The  enemy,  forced  from 
their  position,  retired,  and  he  returned  to  the  line, 
H'ith  the  less  of  live  men. 
23^ 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 


CHAPTER  X. 

AUack  of  the  \st  of  January. — Germ-al  Jackson's  line  of  defence 
— Kentnckv  troops  arrive  at  head-quarters. — BritisJi  anny  re* 
enforced ;  their  prepai  atious  for  attack. — Battle  of  the  Slh  of 
Januarti,  and  iqmlse  of  the  enemy. — American  redcruht  car'ried, 
end  retaken. —  Colonel  Thornton  proceeds  against  Generijd 
Morgan's  iiin,  and  t-'ikes  possession  of  it. — Letter  of  Captain 
Wilkinson. — British  natcJi  word. —  Generous  conduct  of  the 
American  soldiers. — Morgan^s  line  regained. — Genend  Lamhert 
requests  a  sus})ension  of  hostilities. — Armistice  ccnu:luded. — Ex- 
ecution of  an  American  soldier  by  the  British. 

The  British  were  encamped  two  miles  below  the 
American  ^army,  on  a  perfect  plain,  in  full  view. 
Although  foiled  in  their  attempt  to  carry  our  worVs 
by  their  batteries  on  the  28th,  they  resolved  upon 
another  attack,  which  they  believed  would  be  more 
successful.  Presuming  their  failure  to  have  arisen 
from  not  having  sufficiently  strong  batteries  and 
heavy  ordnance,  a  more  enlarged  arrangement  was 
resorted  to,  with  a  confidence  of  silencing  opposi 
tion.  The  interim  between  the  2Sth  of  December 
and  1st  of  January  was  spent  in  preparing  to  exe- 
cute their  designs.  Their  boats  liad  been  de- 
spatched to  the  shipping,  and  an  additional  supply 
of  heavy  cannon  landed  through  Bayou  Bicnvenu, 
whence  they  had  first  debarked. 

During  the  night  of  the  31st,  they  were  busily 
engaged.  An  impenetrable  fog,  next  morning,  not 
dispelled  until  nine  o'clock,  by  concealing  their 
purpose,  aided  them  in  the  plans  they  were  project- 
ing, and  gave  time  for  the  completion  of  their  works. 
This  having  disappeared,  several  heavy  batteries, 
at    the    distance   of  six   hundred  yards,  mounting 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  271 

eighteen  and  twenty-four  pound  carronades,  were 
presented  to  view.     No  sooner  was  it  sufficiently 
clear  to  distinguish  objects  at  a  distance,  than  these 
were  opened,  and  a  tremendous  burst  of  artillery 
commenced,  accompanied  with  congreve    rockets, 
that  filled  the  air  in  all  directions.     Our  troops,  pro- 
tected by  a  defence,  which,  from  their  constant  la- 
bours, they  believed  to  be  impregnable,  undisturbed, 
maintained    their    ground,    and,    by    their    skilful 
management,  succeeded  in  dismounting  the  guns  of 
the  enemy.     The  British,  through  the  friendly  in- 
terference of  some  disaffected  citizens,  having  been 
apprized  of  the  situation  of  the  generaFs  quarters, 
that  he  dwelt  in  a  house  at  a  small  distance  in  the 
rear  of  his  lire  of  defence,  against  it  directed  their 
first  and  principal  efforts,  with  a  view  to  destroy  the 
commander.     So  great   v/as  the   number  of  balls 
thrown,  that,  in  a  little  while,  its  porticos  were  beat- 
en down,  and  the  building  made  a  complete  wreck. 
In  this   design  they  were  disappointed  ;  for  with 
Jackson  it  was  a  constant  practice,  on  the  first  ap- 
pearance  of  danger,   not  to  wait  in  his  quarters, 
watching  events,  but  instantly   to  proceed  to  the 
line,  to  form  arrangements  as  circumstances  might 
require.    Constantly  in  expectation  of  a  charge,  he 
was  never  absent  from  the  post  of  danger:  and 
thither  he  had  this  morning  repaired,  at  the  first 
sound  of  the  cannon,  to  aid  in  defence,  and  inspire 
his  troops  with  firmness.     Our    guns,    along  the 
line,  now  opened,  to  repel  the  assault,  and  a  con- 
stant roar  of  cannon,  on  both  sides,  continued  until 
nearly  noon ;  when,  by  the  superior  skill  of  our 
engineers,  the  two  batteries  formed  on  the  right, 
next  the  v/oods,   were  nearly  beaten   down,    and 
niany  of  the  guns  dismounted,  broken,  and  render 


2T2  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

ed  useless.  That  next  the  river  still  continued  ita 
fire,  until  three  o'clock;  when,  perceiving  all  at- 
tempts to  force  a  breach  ineffectual,  the  enemy  gave 
up  the  contest,  and  retired.  Every  act  of  theirs 
discovers  a  strange  delusion,  and  unfolds  on  what 
wild  and  fanciful  grounds  all  tlieir  expectations 
were  founded. 

That  they  could  effect  an  opening,  and  march 
through  the  strong  defence  in  their  front,  v,-as  an 
idea  so  fondly  cherished,  that  an  apprehension  of 
failure  had  scarcely  occurred.  So  sanguine  were 
they  in  this  belief,  that,  early  in  the  morning,  their 
soldiers  were  arranged  along  the  ditches,  in  rear  of 
their  batteries,  ready  to  advance  to  the  charge,  the 
moment  a  breach  could  be  made.  Here,  by  their 
situation,  protected  from  danger,  they  remained, 
waiting  the  result.  But,  their  efforts  not  having 
produced  the  slightest  impression,  nor  their  rockets 
the  effect  'of  driving  our  militia  awa}",  they  aban- 
doned the  contest,  and  retired  to  their  camp,  leav- 
ing their  batteries  materially  injured. 

It  occurred  to  the  British  commander,  an  attack 
m.ight  be  made  to  advantage  next  the  w^oods,  and  a 
force  was  accordingly  ordered  to  penetrate  in  this 
direction,  and  turn  the  lefl  of  our  line,  which  was 
supposed  not  to  extend  farther  than  to  the  margin  of 
the  sv/amp.  In  this  way,  it  was  expected  a  diver- 
sion could  be  made,  while  the  reserve  columns, 
being  in  waiting,  were  to  press  forward  the  moment 
this  object  could  be  effected.  Here,  too,  disap- 
pointment resulted.  Coffee's  brigade,  being  extend- 
ed into  the  swamp  as  far  as  ii  was  possible  for  an 
advancing  party  to  penetrate,  brought  unexpected 
dangers  into  view,  and  occasioned  an  abandonment 
of  the  project.     That  to  turn  the  extreme  left  of- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON.  273 

the  line  was  practicable,  and  might  be  attempted,, 
was  the  subject  of  early  consideration ;  and  neces- 
sary precaution  had  been  taken  to  prevent  it.— 
Although  cutting  the  levee  had  raised  the  water  in 
the  swamp,  and  increased  the  difficulties  of  keep- 
ing troops  there,  yet  a  fear  lest  this  pass  might  be 
sought  by  the  enemy,  and  the  rear  of  the  line  gain- 
ed, had  determined  the  general  to  extend  his  de- 
fence even  here.  This  had  been  intrusted  to 
General  Coffee;  and  surely  a  more  arduous  duty 
can  scarcely  be  imagined.  To  form  a  breastwork, 
in  such  a  place,  was  attended  v/ith  many  difficul 
ties,  and  considerable  exposure.  A  slight  defence, 
however,  had  been  thrown  up,  and  the  underwood, 
for  thirty  or  forty  yards  in  front,  cut  down,  that  the 
riflemen,  stationed  for  its  protection,  might  have  a 
complete  view  of  any  force,  which  might  attempt 
a  passage.  When  it  is  recollected  this  position 
was  to  be  maintained  night  and  day,  uncertain  of 
the  moment  of  attack,  and  that  the  only  opportunity 
afforded  our  troops  for  rest  was  on  logs  and  brush, 
by  which  they  were  raised  above  the  surrounding 
water,  it  may  be  truly  said,  that  seldom  has  it  fall- 
en to  the  lot  of  any  to  encounter  greater  hardships : 
but,  accustomed  to  privation,  and  alive  to  those  feel- 
ings which  a  love  of  country  inspires,  they  obeyed, 
and  cheerfully  kept  their  position  until  danger  had 
subsided.  Sensible  of  the  importance  of  the  point 
they  defended,  that  it  was  necessary  to  be  main- 
tained, be  the  sacrifice  what  it  might,  they  looked 
to  nothing  but  a  faithful  discharge  of  the  trust  con- 
fided to  them. 

Our  loss,  in  this  affair,  was  eleven  killed,  and 
twenty-three  wounded :  that  of  the  enemy  wag 
never  correctly  known.     The  only  certain  informa- 


274  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

tion  is  contained  in  a  communication  of  the  28th 
instant  from  General  Lambert  to  Earl  Batliurst,  in 
whicli  the  loss,  from  the  1st  to  the  5th,  is  stated 
at  seventy-eight.  Many  allowances,  however,  are 
to  be  made  for  this  report.  From  the  great  pre- 
cision of  our  fire,  their  loss  was,  no  doubt,  consider- 
able.— The  enemy's  heavy  shot  having  penetrated 
our  intrenchment,  in  many  places,  it  was  dis- 
covered not  to  be  as  strong  as  had  been  imagined. 
Fatigue  parties  were  again  employed,  and  its 
strength  daily  increased  :  an  additional  number  of 
bales  of  cotton  were  taken  to  be  applied  to  defend- 
ing the  embrasures.  A  Frenchman,  whose  property 
had  been  thus,  without  his  consent,  seized,  fearful 
of  the  injury  it  might  sustain,  proceeded  in  person 
to  General  Jackson,  to  reclaim  it,  and  to  demand  ita 
delivery.  The  general,  having  heard  his  complaint, 
and  ascertained  from  him  that  he  was  unemployed 
In  any  military  service,  directed  a  musket  to  be 
brought  to  him,  and,  placing  it  in  his  hand,  ordered 
him  on  the  line,  remarking,  at  the  same  time,  that, 
as  he  seemed  to  be  a  man  possessed  of  property, 
he  knew  of  none  who  had  abetter  right  to  figlit,  to 
defend  it. 

It  was  understood  by  Jackson,  that  the  enemy 
were  in  daily  expectation  of  re-enforcements  ;  though 
he  rested  with  confidence  in  the  belief,  that  a  few 
more  days  would  also  bring  to  his  assistance  the 
troops  from  Kentucky.  Each  party,  therefore,  was 
constantly  engaged  in  preparation,  the  one  to  wage 
a  vigorous  attack,  the  otlier  to  oppose  it. 

The  position  of  the  American  army  was  m  the 
rear  of  an  intrenchment  formed  of   earth,    which 
extended  in  a  straight  line  from  the  river  to  a  con 
Bidei'able  distance  in  the  Fwamp.     In  front  was  & 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON  275 

deep  ditch,  which  had  been  formerly  used  as  a  mill- 
race.  The  Mississippi  had  receded,  and  left  this 
dry,  next  the  river,  though  in  many  places  the 
water  still  remained.  Along  the  line,  at  unequal 
distances,  to  the  centre  of  General  Carroll's  com- 
mand, were  guns  mounted,  of  different  caliber,  from 
six  to  thirty-two  pounders.  Near  the  river,  in  ad- 
vance of  the  intrenchment,  v/as  a  redoubt,  with 
embrasures,  commanding  the  road  along  the  levee, 
calculated  to  rake  the  ditch  in  front. 

General  Morgan  was  ordered,  on  the  24th  of 
December,  to  cross  to  the  west  bank  of  the  Missis- 
sippi. From  apprehension  that  an  attempt  might 
be  made  through  Barrataria,  and  the  city  reacheCi 
from  the  right  bank,  the  general  had  extended  hia 
defence  there :  in  fact,  unacquainted  with  the  ene- 
my's views, — not  knowing  the  number  of  their 
troops,  he  had  carefully  divided  out  his  forces,  that 
he  might  be  able  to  protect,  in  Vv^hatever  direction  an 
assault  should  be  waged.  His  greatest  fears,  and 
hence  his  strongest  defence,  next  to  the  one  occu- 
pied by  himself,  was  on  the  Chef  Menteur  road, 
where  Governor  Claiborne,  at  the  head  of  the 
Louisiana  militia,  was  posted.  The  position  on  the 
right  v/as  formed  on  the  same  plan  with  the  line  on 
the  left, — Slower  down  than  that  on  the  left,  extend 
ing  to  the  swamp  at  right  angles  with  the  river 
Here  General  Morgan  commanded. 

To  be  prepared  against  every  possible  contin 
gency,  Jackson  had  established  another  line  of  de- 
fence, about  two  miles  in  the  rear  of  the  one  av 
present  occupied,  v/hich  was  intended  as  a  rallying 
point,  if  driven  from  his  first  position.  With  tha 
aid  of  his  cavalry,  to  give  a  momentary  check  tc 
the  advance  of  the  enemy,  he  expected  to  be  en 


276  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

abled,  with  inconsiderable  injury,  to  reach  it;  where 
he  would  again  liave  advantages  on  his  side,  be  in 
a  situation  to  dispute  a  farther  passage  to  the  city, 
and  arrest  their  progress.  To  inspirit  his  own 
soldiers,  and  to  exliibit  to  the  enemy  as  great  a 
show  as  possible  of  strength  and  intended  resist- 
ance, his  unarmed  troops,  which  constituted  no 
very  inconsiderable  number,  were  here  stationed. 
All  intercourse  between  the  lines,  but  by  confiden- 
tial officers,  was  prohibited,  and  every  vigilance  em- 
ployed, not  only  to  keep  this  want  of  preparation 
concealed  from  the  enemy,  but  even  from  being 
known  on  his  own  lines. 

Occasional  firing  at  a  distance,  which  produc3>i 
nothing  of  consequence,  was  all  that  marked  the 
interim  from  the  1st  to  the  8th. 

On  the  4th  of  this  month,  the  long-expected  re- 
enforcement  from  Kentucky,  amounting  to  twenty- 
two  hundised  and  fifty,  under  Major-General  Tliomas, 
arrived  at  head-quarters  ;•  but  so  ill  provided  with 
arms,  as  to  be  incapable  of  rendering  any  consider- 
able service.  The  alacrity  wuth  which  the  citizen^ 
of  this  state  had  proceeded  to  the  frontiers,  and 
aided  in  the  north-western  campaigns,  added  to  the 
disasters  which  ill-tim.ed  policy  or  misfortune  had 
produced,  had  created  such  a  drain,  that  arms  were 
not  to  be  procured.  They  had  advanced,  however, 
to  their  point  of  destination,  with  an  expectation  of 
being  supplied  on  their  arrival.  About  five  hun- 
dred of  them  had  muskets;  the  rest  were  provided 
with  guns,  from  which  little  or  no  advantage  could 
be  expected.  The  mayor  of  New  Orleans,  at  the 
request  of  General  Jackson,  had  drawn  from  the 
city  every  weapon  that  could  be  found ;  while  the 
arrival  of  the  Louisiana  militia,  in  an  equally  un 


LIFE    OP    GE^fERAL    JACKSON.  27'' 

prepared  situation,  rendered  it  impossible  for  the 
evil  to  be  effectually  remedied.  A  boat,  laden  with 
arms,  was  somewhere  on  the  river,  intended  for  the 
use  of  tho  lower  country  ;  but  where  it  was,  or 
when  it  might  arrive,  rested  alone  on  conjecture. 
Expresses  had  been  despatched  up  the  river,  for 
three  hundred  miles,  to  hasten  it  on ;  still  there 
were  no  tidings  of  an  approach.  That  so  many 
brave  men  should  be  compelled  to  stand  w4th  fold- 
ed arms,  unable  to  render  the  least  possible  service 
to  their  country,  was  an  event,  which  did  not  fail 
to  excite  the  sensibility  of  the  general.  His  mind, 
prepared  for  any  thing  but  despondency,  sought  re- 
lief in  vain.  No  alternative  was  presented,  but  to 
place  them  at  his  intrenchment  in  the  rear,  conceal 
their  actual  condition,  and,  by  the  show  they  might 
make,  add  to  his  appearance,  without  at  all  increas- 
ing his  strength. 

Information  was  received,  that  Major-Genera] 
Lambert  had  joined  the  Britisti  commander-in-chief, 
with  a  considerable  re-enforcement.  It  had  been 
announced  in  the  American  camp,  that  additional 
forces  were  expected,  and  something  decisive  might 
be  looked  for,  so  soon  as  they  should  arrive.  This 
circumstance,  with  others,  had  led  to  the  conclusion 
that  a  few  days  more  would,  in  ail  probability,  de- 
cide the  fate  of  the  city.  It  was  more  than  ever 
necessary  to  keep  concealed  the  situation  of  hia 
army ;  and,  above  all,  to  preserve  as  secret  as  pos- 
sible its  unarmed  condition.  To  restrict  all  com- 
munication, even  with  his  own  lines,  was  now,  as 
danger  increased,  rendered  more  important.  None 
were  permitted  to  leave  the  line,  and  none  from 
without  to  pass  into  camp,  but  such  as  were  to  be 
implicitlv  confided  in.  The  line  of  sentinels  wa 
24 


278  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

strengthened  in  front,  tliat  none  miglit  pass  to  the 
enemy,  should  desertion  be  attempted :  yet,  not- 
withstanding this  precaution,  his  plans  were  dis- 
closed. On  the  night  of  the  6th,  a  soldier  from 
the  line,  by  some  means,  succeeded  in  eluding  the 
vigilance  of  our  sentinels.  Early  next  morning 
his  departure  was  discovered  :  it  was  at  once  cor- 
rectly conjectured  he  had  gone  to  the  enemy,  and 
would,  no  doubt,  afford  them  all  the  information  in 
his  power.  He  unfolded  to  the  British  the  situa- 
tion of  the  American  line  ;  the  late  re-enforcements 
we  had  received,  and  the  unarmed  condition  of 
many  of  the  troops ;  and,  pointing  to  the  centre  of 
General  Carroll's  division  as  a  place  occupied  by 
militia  alone,  recommended  it  as  the  point  where 
an  attack  might  be  most  safely  made. 

Other  intelligence  received  was  confirmatory  of 
the  belief  of  an  impending  attack.  From  some 
prisoners,  taken  on  the  lake,  it  was  ascertained  tiie 
enemy  were  busily  engaged  in  deepening  Villery'a 
Canal,  with  a  view  of  passing  their  boats  and  ord- 
nance to  the  Mississippi.  During  the  7th,  a  con- 
stant bustle  was  perceived  in  the  British  camp. 
Along  the  borders  of  the  canal,  their  soldiers  were 
continually  in  motion,  marching  and  manoBuvring,  for 
no  other  purpose  than  to  conceal  those  who  were 
busily  engaged  at  work  in  the  rear.  To  ascertain 
the  cause  of  this  uncommon  stir,  and  learn  their  de- 
signs, as  far  as  was  practicable.  Commodore  Patter- 
son had  proceeded  down  the  river,  on  the  opposite 
side,  and,  having  gained  a  favourable  position,  in 
front  of  their  encampment,  discovered  them  to  be 
actually  engaged  in  deepening  the  passage  to  the 
river.  It  was  no  difficult  matter  to  divine  their  pur- 
pose.    No  other  conjecture  could  be  entertained, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  ?79 

than  that  an-  assault  was  intended  to  be  made  on 
the  line   of  defence   commanded  by  General  Mor- 
g-an;  which,  if  gained,  would  expose  our  tioops  on 
t]ie  left  bank  to  the  fire  of  the  redoubt  erected  on 
the   right;  and   in    tliis   way  compel  them   to    an 
abandonment  of  their  position.     To  counteract  this 
scheme  was  important ;  and  measures  were  imme- 
diat3ly  taken  to  prevent  the   execution  of  a  plan, 
winch,  if  successful,  would  be  attended  with  incal- 
culable dangers.     An  increased  strength  was  given 
to  this  line.     The   second  regiment  of  Louisiana 
militia,  and  four  hundred  Kentucky  troops,  were 
directed  to  be  crossed  over,  to  protect  it.     Owing 
to  some  delay  in  arming  them,  the  latter,  amount- 
ing, instead  of  four  hundred,  to  but  one  hundred 
^nd  eighty,  did  not  arrive  until  the  morning  of  the 
8th.     A  little  before  day,  they  were  despatched  to 
aid  an  advanced  party,   who,  under  the  command 
of  Major  Arnaut,  had  been  sent  to  watch  the  move- 
ments   of  the    enemy,  and    oppose    their   landing. 
The  hopes  indulged  from  their  opposition  were  not 
realized  ;  and  the  enemy  reached  the  shore. 

Morgan's  position,  besides  being  strengthened  by 
severaf  brass  twelves,  was  defended  by  a  strong 
battery,  mounting  twenty-four  pounders,  directed 
by  Commodore  Patterson,  which  afforded  additional 
security.  The  line  itself  was  not  strong,  yet,  if 
properly  maintained  by  the  troops  selected  to  de- 
fend it,  was  believed  fully  adequate  to  the  purposes 
of  successful  resistance.  Late  at  night,  Patterson 
ascertamed  the  enemy  had  succeeded  m  passing 
their  boats  througli  the  canal,  and  immediately 
communicated  his  information  to  the  general.  The 
commodore  had  formed  the  idea  of  dropping  the 
Louisiana  schooner  down,  to  attack  and  sink  them. 


280  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON. 

This  thought,  though  well  conceived,, was  abandon- 
ed, from  the  danger  involved,  and  from  an  appre- 
hension lest  the  batteries  erected  on  the  river,  with 
which  she  would  come  in  collision,  might,  by  the 
aid  of  hot  shot,  succeed  in  blowing  her  up.  It  was 
preferred  to  await  their  arrival,  believing  it  would 
bo  practicable,  with  the  bravery  of  more  than  fifteen 
hundred  men,  and  the  slender  advantages  possessed 
from  their  line  of  defence,  to  maintain  their  position. 
On  the  left  bank,  where  the  general  in  person 
commanded,  every  thing  was  in  readiness  to  meet 
die  assault  when  it  should  be  made.  The  redoubt 
on  the  levee  was  defended  by  a  company  of  the 
seventh  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Lieuten- 
ant Ross.  The  regular  troops  occupied  that  part 
of  the  intrenchment  next  the  river.  General  Car- 
roll's division  was  in  the  centre,  supported  by  the 
Kentucky  troops,  under  General  John  Adair ;  while 
the  extreme  left,  extending  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance into  the  swamp,  was  protected  by  the  brigade 
of  General  Coffee.  IIow  soon  the  attack  would 
be  waged  was  uncertain.  General  Jackson,  un- 
moved by  appearances,  anxiously  desired  a  con- 
test, which  he  believed  would  give  a  triumpli 
to  his  arms,  and  terminate  the  hardships  of  his 
soldiers.  Unremitting  in  exertion,  and  constantly 
vigilant,  his  precaution  kept  pace  with  the  zeal  and 
preparation  of  the  enemy.  He  seldom  slept:  he 
was  always  at  his  post,  performing  the  duties  of 
both  general  and  soldier.  His  sentinels  were 
doubled,  and  extended  as  far  as  possible  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  British  camp  ;  while  a  considerable 
portion  of  the  troops  were  constantly  at  the  line, 
with  arms  in  their  hands,  ready  to  act,  when  the 
first  alarm  should  be  sfiven. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  2S1 

For  ei^trht  days  had  the  two  armies  lain  upon  tho 
eome  field,  and  in  view  of  each  other,  without  any 
Ihjng-  decisive  on  either  side.  Twice,  since  their 
landing,  had  the  British  columns  essayed  to  effect 
by  storm  the  execution  of  their  plans,  and  twice 
had  failed,  and  been  compelled  to  relinquish  the 
attempt.  It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  things 
could  long  remain  in  this  dubious  state. 

The  8th  of  January  at  length  arrived.  The  day 
dawned;  and  the  signals,  intended  to  produce  con- 
cert in  the  enemy's  movements,  were  descried. 
On  the  left,  near  the  swamp,  a  sky-rocket  was  per- 
ceived rising  in  the  air ;  and  presently  another  as- 
cended from  the  right,  next  the  river.  They  were 
intended  to  announce  that  all  was  ready,  to  carry 
by  storm  a  defence  which  had  twice  foiled  their  ut- 
most efforts.  Instantly  the  charge  was  made,  and 
with  such  rapidity,  that  our  soldiers,  at  the  out- 
posts, with  difficulty  fled  in. 

The  British  batteries,  which  had  been  demolished 
on  the  1st  of  the  month,  had  been  re-established 
during  the  preceding  night,  and  heavy  pieces  of 
cannon  mounted,  to  aid  in  their  intended  operations. 
These  now  opened,  and  showers  of  bombs  and  balls 
were  poured  upon  our  line  ;  while  the  air  was  light- 
ed with  their  congreve  rockets.  The  two  divisions, 
commanded  by  Sir  Edward  Packenham  in  person, 
and  supported  by  Generals  Keane  and  Gibbs,  press- 
ed forward  ;  the  right  against  the  centre  of  Gene- 
ral Carroll's  command,  the  left  against  our  redoubt 
on  the  levee.  A  thick  fog,  that  obscured  the  morn- 
ing, enabled  them  to  approach  within  a  short  dis- 
tance of  our  intrenchment.  before  they  were  dis- 
covered. They  were  now  perceived  advancing, 
with  firm,  qu'ck,  and  steady  pace,  in  column,  with 
21* 


2S2  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

a  front  of  sixty  or  seventy  deep.  Our  troops,  who 
had  for  soine  time  been  in  readiness,  gave  three 
cheers,  and  instantly  the  whole  line  was  lighted 
with  the  blaze  of  their  fire.  A  burst  of  artillery 
and  small  arms,  pouring  with  destructive  aim  upon 
them,  mowed  down  their  front,  and  arrested  their 
advance.  In  our  musketry  there  was  not  a  mo- 
ment's intermission ;  as  one  party  discharged  their 
pieces,  another  succeeded  ;  alternately  loading  and 
appearing,  no  pause  could  be  perceived, — it  wag 
one  continued  voUey.  The  columns  already  per- 
ceived their  dangerous  situation.  Battery  No.  7, 
on  the  left,  was  ably  served  by  Lieutenant  Spotts, 
and  galled  them  with  an  incessant  fire.  Batteries 
No.  6  and  8  were  no  less  actively  employed,  and  no 
less  successful  in  felling  them  to  the  ground.  Not- 
withstanding the  severity  of  our  fire,  which  few 
troops  could  for  a  moment  have  withstood,  some  of 
those  brave  men  pressed  on,  and  succeeded  in 
gaining  thff  ditch,  in  front  of  our  works,  where  they 
remained  during  the  action,  and  were  aflerwarrj 
made  prisoners.  The  horror  before  them  was  i.oo 
great  to  be  withstood ;  and  already  were  the  Er  iish 
troops  seen  wavering  in  their  determination,  and 
receding  from  the  conflict.  At  this  moment.  Sir 
Edward  Packenham,  hastening  to  the  front,  en- 
deavoured to  insj)ire  them  w-ith  renewed  zeal.  Ilia 
example  was  of  short  continuance  ;  he  soon  fell, 
mortally  wounded,  in  the  arms  of  his  ald-de-camp, 
not  far  from  our  line.  Generals  Gibbs  and  Keane 
also  fell,  and  were  borne  from  the  field,  dangerous- 
ly wounded.  At  this  moment,  General  Lambert, 
who  was  advancing  at  a  small  distance  in  the  rear, 
with  the  reserve,  met  the  columns  precipitately  re- 
treating,  and   in  great   confusion.     His  efforts  to 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   J4CKS0N.  283 

ctop  them  were  unavaiiing,— they  continued  re- 
treating, until  they  reached  a  ditch,  at  the  distance 
of  four  hundred  yards,  where,  a  momentary  safety 
being  found,  they  were  rallied,  and  halted. 

The  field  before  them,  over  which  they  had  ad 
vanced,  was  strewed  with  the  dead  and  dying 
Danger  hovered  still  around ;  yet,  urged  and  en- 
couraged by  their  officers,  who  feared  their  own 
disgrace  involved  in  the  failure,  they  again  moved 
to  the  charge.  They  v/ere  already  near  enough  to 
deploy,  and  were  endeavouring  to  do  so ;  but  the 
same  constant  and  unremitted  resistance  that  caused 
their  first  retreat  continued  yet  unabated.  Our 
batteries  had  never  ceased  their  fire ;  their  constant 
discharges  of  grape  and  canister,  and  the  fatal 
aim  of  our  musketry,  mowed  down  the  front  of  the 
columns  as  fast  as  the}''  could  be  formed.  Satisfied 
nothing  could  be  done,  and  that  certain  destruction 
awaited  all  further  attempts,  they  forsook  the  field 
in  disorder,  leaving  it  almost  entirely  covered  with 
the  dead  and  wounded.  It  was  in  vain  their  offi- 
cers endeavoured  to  animate  them  to  further  resist- 
ance, and  equally  vain  to  attempt  coercion.  The 
panic  produced  from  the  dreadful  repulse  they  had 
experienced  ;  the  plain,  on  which  they  had  acted 
being  covered  with  innumerable  bodies  of  theii 
countrymen ;  while,  with  their  most  zealous  exer 
tions,  they  had  been  unable  to  obtain  the  slightest 
advantage, — were  circumstances  well  calculated  to 
make  even  the  most  submissive  soldier  oppose  the 
authority  that  would  have  controlled  him. 

The  light  companies  of  fusileers,  the  forty-third 
and  ninety- third  regiments,  and  one  hundred  men 
from  the  West  India  regiment,  led  on  by  Colonel 
Rennie,  were   ordered   to  proceed  under  cover  of 


234  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

some  chimneys,  standing  in  the  field,  until  hr.ving 
cleared  them,  to  oblique  to  the  river,  and  advance, 
protected  by  the  levee,  against  our  redoubt  on  the 
right.  This  work,  liaving  been  but  lately  com- 
menced, was  in  an  unfinished  state.  It  was  not 
until  the  4th,  that  General  Jackson,  much  against 
his. own  opinion,  had  yielded  to  the  suggestions  of 
others,  and  permitted  its  projection ;  and,  consider- 
ing the  plan  on  v/hich  it  had  been  sketched,  it  had 
not  yet  received  that  strength  necessary  to  its  safe 
defence.  The  detachment  ordered  against  this 
place  formed  the  left  of  General  Keane's  command. 
Rennie  executed  his  orders  with  great  bravery ; 
and,  urging  forward,  arrived  at  the  ditch.  His  ad- 
vance was  greatly  annoyed  by  Commodore  Patter- 
Bon's  battery  on  the  left  bank,  and  the  cannon 
mounted  on  the  redoubt ;  but,  reaching  our  works, 
and  passing  the  ditch,  Rennie,  sword  in  hand, 
leaped  on  the  wall,  and,  calling  to  his  troops,  bade 
them  follow ;  he  had  scarcely  spoken,  when  he  fell 
by  the  fatal  aim  of  our  riflemen.  Pressed  by  the 
impetuosity  of  superior  numbers,  who  were  mount- 
ing the  wall,  and  entering  at  the  embrasures,  our 
troops  had  retired  to  the  line,  in  rear  of  the  redoubt. 
A  momentary  pause  ensued,  but  only  to  be  inter- 
rupted with  increased  horrors.  Captain  Real,  v/ith 
the  city  riflemen,  cool  and  self-possessed,  perceiv- 
ing the  enemy  in  his  front,  opened  upon  them,  and 
at  every  discharge  brought  the  object  to  tlie  ground. 
To  advance,  or  maintain  the  point  gained,  was 
equdviy  impracticable  for  the  enemy :  to  retreat  or 
surrender  was  the  only  alternative  ;  for  they  already 
perceived  the  division  on  the  right  throvrn  into  con- 
fusion, and  hastily  leaving  the  field. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  285 

General  Jackson,  being'  informed  of  the  succes3 
of  the  enemy  on  the  right,  and  of  their  being  in 
possession  of  the  redoubt,  pressed  forward  a  re-en- 
forcement to  regain  it.  Previously  to  its  arrival 
they  had  abandoned  the  attempt,  and  were  retiring-. 
They  were  severely  galled  by  such  of  our  guns  as 
could  be  brought  to  bear.  The  levee  afforded  them 
considerable  protection  ;  yet,  by  Commodore  Patter- 
son's redoubt,  on  the  right  bank,  they  suffered 
greatly.  Enfiladed  by  this,  on  their  advance,  they 
had  been  greatly  annoyed,  and  now,  in  their  re- 
treat, were  no  less  severely  assailed.  Numbers 
found  a  grave  in  the  ditch,  before  our  line  ;  and  of 
those  who  gained  the  redoubt,  not  one,  it  is  believ- 
ed, escaped  ; — they  were  shot  down  as  fast  as  they 
entered.  The  route,  along  which  they  had  advanc- 
ed and  retired,  was  strewed  with  bodies.  Affright- 
ed at  the  carnage,  they  moved  from  the  scene  in 
confusion.  Our  batteries  were  still  continuing  the 
slaughter,  and  cutting  them  down  at  every  step : 
safety  seemed  only  to  be  attainable  when  they 
should  have  retired  without  the  range  of  our  shot, 
which,  to  troops  galled  as  severely  as  they  were, 
was  too  remote  a  relief.  Pressed  by  this  considera- 
tion, they  fled  to  the  ditch,  whither  the  right  divis- 
ion had  retreated,  and  there  remained  until  night 
permitted  them  to  retire. 

A  considerable  portion  of  our  troops  were  inactive 
for  the  want  of  arms  to  place  in  their  hands.  If 
this  had  not  been  the  case — had  they  been  in  ti 
situation  to  have  acted  efiiciently,  the  whole  Britisli 
arniv  must  have  submitted. 

Colonel  Hinds  was  very  solicitous,  and  in  person 
applied  to  the  commanding  general  for  leave  to 
pursue,  at  the  head  of  his  dragoons,  the   fleeing 


286  LIFE    OF    GtNCRAL    JACKSON. 

columns  of  the  enemy:  Jackson,  however,  would 
not  permit  it.  "  My  reason  for  refusing,"  he  re- 
marked, "  was,  that  it  might  become  necessary  to 
sustain  him,  and  thus  a  contest  in  the  open  field  be 
brought  on:  the  lives  of  my  men  were  of  value  to 
tlieir  country,  and  much  too  dear  to  their  famili-es 
to  be  hazarded  where  necessity  did  not  require  it ; 
]}ui,  above  all,  from  tlie  numerous  dead  and  wounded 
stretched  out  on  the  field  before  me,  I  felt  a  con 
fidence  that  the  safety  of  the  city  was:  most  proba 
bly  attained,  and  hence,  that  nothing  calculated  to 
reverse  the  good  fortune  we  had  met  should  be 
attempted." 

The  efforts  of  the  enemy  to  carry  our  line  of  de- 
fence on  the  left  were  seconded  by  an  attack  on 
the  right  bank,  with  eiglit  hundred  chosen  troops, 
under  the  conmiand  of  Colonel  Thornton.  Owing 
to  the  difiiculty  of  passing  the  boats  from  the  canal 
to  tlie  river,  and  the  strong  current  of  the  Missis- 
sippi,  the  troops  destined  for  this  service  were  not 
crossed,  nor  the  opposite  shore  reached,  for  some 
hours  after  the  expected  moment  of  attack.  By 
the  time  he  had  effected  a  landing,  the  day  had 
dawned,  and  the  flashes  of  the  guns  announced  the 
battle.  Supported  by  three  gun-boats,  he  hastened 
forward,  with  his  command,  in  the  direction  of  Mor- 
gan's intrenchment. 

Some  time  during  the  night  of  the  7th,  two  hun- 
dred Louisiana  militia  had  been  sent  off,  to  watch 
the  movements  of  tlie  enemy,  and  oppose  him  in 
ids  landing  :  this  detachment,  under  the  command 
of  Major  Arnaud,  had  advanced  a  mile  down  the 
river,  and  halted  ;  eitlier  supposing  the  general  in- 
correct, in  apprehending  an  attack,  or  that  his  men, 
if  refreshed,  would  be  more  competent  to  exertion, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  287 

he  directed  them  to  lie  down  and  sleep .  one  man 
only  was  ordered  to  be  upon  the  watch,  lest  th-e 
enemy  should  approach  them  undiscovered.  Just 
at  day,  he  called  upon  his  sleeping  companions,  and 
bade  them  rise,  for  he  had  heard  a  considerable 
bustle  a  little  below.  No  sooner  risen,  than  con- 
firmed in  the  truth  of  what  had  been  stated,  they 
moved  off  in  the  direction  they  had  come,  without 
even  attempting  an  execution  of  their  orders.  The 
Kentucky  troops,  having  reached  Morgan  at  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  were  immediately  sent  to 
co-operate  with  the  Louisianians.  Major  Davis, 
who  commanded,  had  proceeded  about  three  quar- 
ters of  a  mile,  and  met  those  troops  hastily  retreat- 
ing up  the  road  ;  he  ascertained  from  them  that  the 
enemy  had  made  the  shore  ;  had  debarked,  and 
were  moving  rapidly  up  the  levee.  He  informed 
them  for  what  purpose  he  had  been  despatched, — 
to  oppose  an  approach  as  long  as  practicable,  and, 
with  their  assistance,  he  would  endeavour  to  exe- 
cute his  orders. 

.  The  two  detachments,  now  acting  together,  form- 
ed behind  a  saw-mill-race,  skirted  with  a  quantity 
of  plank  and  scantling,  which  afforded  a  tolerable 
shelter.  Davis,  witli  his  two  hundred  Kentuckians, 
formed  on  the  road  next  the  river,  supported  by  the 
Louisiana  militia  on  the  right.  The  enemy  appear- 
ing, their  approach  was  resisted,  and  a  spirited 
opposition  for  some  time  maintained.  The  British 
again  advanced,  and  again  received  a  heavy  fire. 
At  this  moment.  General  Morgan's  aid-de-camp, 
who  was  present,  perceiving  the  steady  advance  of 
the  enemy,  and  fearing  for  the  safety  of  the  troops, 
ordered  a  retreat.  Confusion  was  the  consequence 
—order  could  not  be  maintained,  and  the  wholo 


28S  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

fled,  in  haste,  to  Morgan's  line.  Arriving  in  safety, 
though  much  exhausted,  they  were  immediately 
directed  to  form,  and  extend  themselves  to  the 
swamp ;  that  the  right  of  the  intrenchment  might 
not  be  turned. 

Colonel  Thornton,  having  reached  an  orange 
grove,  about  seven  hundred  yards  distant,  halted ; 
and,  examining  Morgan's  line,  found  it  to  "consist 
of  a  formidable  redoubt  on  the  river,"  with  its 
weakest  and  most  vulnerable  point  towards  the 
Bwamp.  He  directly  advanced  to  the  attack,  in 
two  divisions,  against  the  extreme  right  and  centre 
of  the  line  ;  and,  having  deployed,  charged  the  in- 
trenchment, defended  by  about  fifteen  hundred  men. 
A  severe  discharge,  from  the  field-pieces  mounted 
along  our  works,  caused  the  right  division  to  ob- 
lique, which,  uniting  with  the  left,  pressed  forward 
to  the  point  occupied  by  the  Kentucky  troops. 
Perceiving  themselves  thus  exposed,  and  having 
Dot  yet  recovered  from  the  emotions  produced  by 
their  first  retreat,  they  began  to  give  way,  and  very 
Boon  abandoned  their  position.  The  Louisiana 
militia  gave  a  few  fires,  and  followed  the  example 
Through  the  exertions  of  the  officers,  a  momentar/ 
halt  was  effected ;  but  a  burst  of  congreve  rocketa 
falling  thickly,  and  setting  fire  to  the  sugar-cane, 
and  other  combustibles  around,  again  excited  their . 
fears,  and  they  moved  hastily  away  ;  nor  could  they 
be  rallied,  until,  at  the  distance  of  two  miles,  havmg 
reached  a  saw-mill-race,  they  were  formed,  and 
placed  in  an  attitude  of  defence. 

Commodore  Patterson,  perceiving  the  right  flank 
about  to  be  turned,  had  ceased  his  destructive  fire 
against  the  retreating  columns  on  the  opposite 
chore,  and  turned  his  guns  to  enfilade  the  enemy 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  289 

next  the  swamp ;  but,  at  the  moment  when  he  ex- 
pected to  witness  a  firm  resistance,  and  was  in  a 
situation  to  co-operate,  he  beheld  those,  without 
whose  aid  all  his  efforts  were  unavailing-,  suddenly 
thrown  into  confusion,  and  forsaking  their  posts. 
Discovering  he  could  no  longer  maintain  his  ground, 
he  spiked  his  guns,  destroyed  his  ammunition,  and 
retired  from  a  post  where  he  had  rendered  the  most 
important  services. 

In  the  panic  that  produced  this  disorderly  retreat, 
at  a  moment  when  resistance  was  expected,  are  to 
be  found  circumstances  of  justification,  which  might 
have  occasioned  similar  conduct  even  in  disciplined 
troops.  The  weakest  part  of  the  line  was  assail- 
ed by  the  greatest  strength  of  the  enemy :  this  was 
defended  by  one  hundred  and  eighty  Kentuckians, 
who  were  stretched  out  to  an  extent  of  three  hun- 
dred yards,  and  unsupported  by  any  pieces  of  artil- 
lery. Thus  openly  exposed  to  the  attack  of  a 
greatly  superior  force,  and  weakened  by  the  ex- 
tent of  ground  they  covered,  it  is  not  to  be  won- 
dered at,  or  deserving  of  reproach,  that  they  should 
have  considered  resistance  ineffectual,  and  forsaken 
a  post,  which  they  had  strong  reasons  for  believing 
they  could  not  maintain.  General  Morgan  report- 
ed to  General  Jackson  the  defeat,  and  attributed  it 
to  the  flight  of  those  troops,  who  had  also  drawn 
along  with  them  the  rest  of  his  forces.  It  is  true, 
they  were  the  first  to  flee ;  and  equally  true,  that 
their  example  may  have  had  the  effect  of  producing 
general  alarm  ;  but  in  point  of  advantageous  situa- 
tion, the  troops  materially  differed ;  the  one  party 
were  exposed,  and  enfeebled  by  the  manner  of  their 
arrangement;  the  othar,  though  superior  in  numbers, 
covered  no  greater  extent  of  ground,  and  were  dc 
25 


290  LIFE    OF    GENEKAL    JACKSON. 

fended  by  an  excellent  breastwork,  and  several 
pieces  of  cannon:  with  this  difference,  the  loss  of 
confidence  of  the  former  was  not  without  sufficient 
cause.  Of  these  facts  Commodore  Patterson  was 
not  apprized  ;  General  Morgan  was  :  both,  however, 
attributed  tlie  disaster  to  the  flight  of  the  Kentucky 
militia.  Upon  their  information  General  Jackson 
founded  his  report  to  the  secretary  of  war,  by 
which  those  troops  were  exposed  to  censures 
they  did  not  merit.  Had  all  the  circumstances,  as 
they  existed,  been  disclosed,  reproach  would  have 
been  prevented.  At  the  mill-race,  no  troops  could 
have  behaved  better:  they  were  well  posted,  and 
bravely  resisted  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  nor,  un- 
til an  order  to  that  effect  was  given,  had  entertain- 
eu  a  thought  of  retreatinsf. 

The  heart-felt  joy  at  the  glorious  victory  achiev- 
ed on  one  side  of  the  river  was  clouded  by  the  dis- 
aster witnessed  on  the  other.  A  position  was  gain- 
ed which*  secured  to  the  enemy  advantages  the 
most  important ;  and  whence  our  whole  line,  on  the 
left  bank,  could  be  severely  annoyed.  But  for  the 
precaution  of  Commodore  Patterson,  in  spiking  his 
guns,  and  destroying  the  ammunition,  it  would  have 
been  in  the  power  of  Colonel  Thornton  to  have  com- 
pletely enfiladed  our  line  of  defence,  and  rendered 
it  untenable.  Fearful  lest  the  guns  might  be  un- 
spiked,  and  brought  to  operate  against  him.  General 
Jackson  hastened  to  throw  detachments  across,  with 
orders  to  regain  the  position  at  every  hazard.  To 
the  troops  on  the  right  bank,  he  forwarded  an  ad- 
dress, with  a  view  to  excite  them  to  deeds  of  val- 
our, and  inspirit  them  to  exertions  that  should  wipe 
off  the  reproach  they  had  drawn  upon  themselves. 
Previously,  however,  to  their  being  in  readiness  to 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  291 

act,  he  succeeded  by  stratagem  in  re-obtaining  his 
lost  position,  and  thus  spared  the  effusion  of  blood. 
Tlie  loss  of  the  British,  in  the  main  attack  on  the 
left  bank,  has  been  variously  stated.     The  killed, 
wounded,  and   prisoners,  ascertained,  on  the  next 
day  after  the  battle,  by  Colonel  Hayne,  the  inspec- 
tor-general, places  it  at  twenty-six  hundred.     Gen- 
eral Lambert's  report  to  Lord  Bathurst  makes  it 
but  two  thousand   and  seventy.     From  prisoners, 
however,   and  information   derived  through    other 
sources,  it  must  have  been  even  greater  than  is 
stated  by  either.     Among  them  was  the  command- 
er-in-chief, and  Major-General  Gibbs,  who  died  of 
his  wounds  the  next  day,  besides  many  of  their 
most  distinguished  officers ;  while  the  loss  of  the 
Americans,  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  but  thir- 
teen.* 

It  appears  to  have  been  made  a  question  by  the 
British  officers,  if  it  would  not  be  m.ore  advisable  to 
carry  General  Morgan's  line,  and  refrain  from  any 
attempt  on  this  side  the  river.  It  was  believed, 
that,  if  successful  in  this  attack,  they  would  be  able 
to  force  General  Jackson  from  his  intrenchment, 
and  pass  with  the  main  body  of  the  army  to  the  city. 
A  letter  found  in  the  possession  of  Captain  Wxliiin- 
son,  a  British  officer,  who  fell  in  the  battle,  to  a 
friend  at  home,  in  the  war  department,  speaking  on 
this  subject,  shows  that  a  difference  of  opinion  pre- 

*  Our  effective  force,  at  the  line  on  the  left  bank,  was  three 
thousand  seven  hundred ;  that  of  the  enemy  at  least  nine  tliousand. 
The  force  landed  in  Louisiana  has  been  variously  reported ;  tiie 
best  information  places  it  at  about  fourteen  thousand.  A  part  o. 
this  acted  with  Colonel  Thornton ;  the  climate  had  rendered  many 
unfit  for  the  duties  of  the  field  ;  while  a  considerable  number  had 
been  killed  and  wounded  in  the  different  contests  since  their  arri- 
val. Their  streng^lh,  therefore,  may  be  fairly  estimated,  on  tho 
Gih,  at  the  number  we  ha\e  staled  ;  at  any  rate,  not.  less 


292 


LFFE    OF 'GENERAL    JACKSON", 


vailed,  and  confesses  his  own  as  being  decidedly  in 
favour  of  a  vigorous  attack  on  both  sides.  It  bears 
date  late  on  the  night  of  the  7th,  nor  does  it  appear, 
although  he  was  a  captain  and  brigade-major,  that 
lie,  at  that  time,  knew  whether  an  assault  was  se 
riously  intended  against  Jackson's  line,  or  was  de- 
signed as  a  feint,  to  aid  the  operations  of  Colonel 
Thornton.  With  the  true  spirit  of  a  British  officer, 
however,  he  indulged  a  hope  of  success, — enter- 
tained no  fears  for  the  result,  nor  doubted  but  that 
the  Americans  would  at  once  retire  before  their 
superior  skill  and  bravery.  A  general  order,  which 
must  have  been  communicated  after  he  had  written, 
disclosing  the  manner  of  attack,  on  the  left,  where 
he  acted,  was  also  found  with  the  letter.  In  that 
the  fusileers  and  light  troops  were  instructed,  after 
reaching  our  line,  to  act  as  a  pursuing  squadron, 
and  keep  up  alarm,  while  the  army  on  the  right 
should  press  closely  in  the  rear  and  support  them. 
It  breathes  an  assurance  of  success,  and  shows  with 
what  anxiety  they  looked  to  tlie  approaching  morn- 
ing, as  likely  to  bring  with  it  a  successful  termina- 
tion of  their  labours,  and  a  triumph  over  a  foe 
whose  advantages,  more  than  bravery,  they  suppos- 
ed, had  so  long  baffled  their  efforts. 

Let  it  be  remembered  of  that  gallant  but  mis- 
guided general,  who  has  been  so  much  deplored  by 
the  British  nation,  that,  to  the  cupidity  of  his  sol- 
diers, he  promised  the  wealth  of  the  city,  as  a  rec- 
ompense for  their  gallantry  ;  while,  with  brutal 
licentiousness,  they  were  to  revel  in  lawless  indul- 
gence, uncontrolled,  over  female  innocence.  Scenes 
like  these  our  nation,  insulted,  had  already  witness- 
ed ;  she  had  witnessed  them  at  Hampton  and  Ilavre- 
de-Grace  :  but  it  was  reserved  for  her  yet  to  leaJD 


LIFE    OF    GEXERAL     JACKSON  293 

that  an  officer  of  the  standing  of  Sir  Edward  Pack- 
enham,  polished,  generous,  and  brave,  should,  to 
induce  his  soldiers  to  acts  of  daring  valour,  permit 
them,  as  a  reward,  to  insult  and  injure  those  whom 
all  mankind,  even  savages,  respect.  The  facts 
which  were  presented  at  the  time  of  this  transac- 
tion left  no  doubt  on  the  minds  of  our  officers,  but 
th^t  "  Beauty  and  Bootif  was  the  watch-word  of 
the  day.  The  information  was  obtained  from  pris- 
oners, and  confirmed  by  the  books  of  two  of  their 
orderly-sergeants  taken  in  battle,  which  contained 
record  proof  of  the  fact. 

•A  communication,  shortly  after,  from  Major-Gen- 
eral  Lambert,  on  whom,  in  consequence  of  the  fall 
of  Generals  Packenham,  Gibbs,  and  Keane,  the  com- 
mand had  devolved,  acknowledges  that  he  had  wit- 
nessed the  kindness  of  our  troops  to  his  wounded. 
He  solicited  of  General  Jackson  permission  to  send 
an  unarmed  party  to  bury  the  dead,  lying  before  his 
lines,  and  to  bring  off  such  of  the  wounded  as  were 
dangerous.  The  request  to  bury  the  dead  was 
granted.  General  Jackson  refused  to  permit  a  near 
approach  to  his  line,  but  consented  that  the  wound- 
ed, who  were  at  a  greater  distance  than  three  hun- 
dred yards  from  tlie  intrenchment,  should  be  re- 
lieved, and  the  dead  buried  :  those  nearer  were,  by 
his  own  men,  to  be  delivered  over,  to  be  interred 
by  their  countrymen.  This  precaution  was  taken, 
that  the  enemy  might  not  have  an  opportunity  to 
inspect,  or  know  any  thing  of  his  situation. 

General  Lambert,  desirous  of  administering  to  tlie 
wants  of  the  wounded,  and  that  he  might  be  reliev- 
ed from  his  apprehensions  of  attack,  proposed,  about 
noon,  that  hostilities  should  cease  until  the  same 
hour  the  next  day.  General  Jackson,  cherishing 
25* 


291  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

the  hope  of  being"  able  to  secure  an  important  ad- 
vantage, by  hig  apparent  willingness  to  accede  tc 
the  proposal,  drew  up  an  armistice,  and  forward- 
ed it  to  General  Lambert,  with  directions  for  it  to 
be  immediately  returned  if  approved.  It  contain- 
ed a  stipulation  to  this  effect — that  hostilities,  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  river,  should  be  discontinued 
from  its  ratification,  but  on  the  right  bank  tkey 
should  not  cease  ;  and  that,  in  the  interim,  under 
no  circumstances  were  re-enforcements  to  be  sent 
across  by  either  party.  This  was  a  bold  stroke  at 
stratagem ;  and,  although  it  succeeded,  even  to  the 
extent  desired,  was  attended  with  considerable  haz- 
ard. Re-enforcernents  had  been  ordered  over  to 
retake  the  position  lost  by  Morgan  in  the  morning, 
and  the  general  presumed  they  had  arrived  at  their 
point  of  destination ;  but,  at  this  time,  they  had  not 
passed  the  river,  nor  could  it  be  expected  to  be  re- 
taken witb  the  same  troops  who  had  yielded  it  the 
day  before,  when  possessed  of  advantages  wliich 
gave  them  a  decided  superiority  :  this  the  com- 
manding general  well  knew  ;  yet,  to  spare  the  sac- 
rifice of  his  men,  which,  in  regaining  it,  he  foresaw 
must  be  considerable,  he  was  disposed  to  venture 
upon  a  course,  which,  he  felt  assured,  could  not  fail 
to  succeed.  It  was  impossible  his  object  could  be 
discovered  ;  v/hile  he  confidently  believed  the  Brit- 
ish commander  would  infer,  from  the  prompt  man- 
ner in  which  his  proposal  had  been  met,  that  such 
additional  troops  were  already  thrown  over,  as 
would  be  fully  adequate  co  the  purposes  of  attack, 
and  greatly  to  endanger,  if  not  wholly  to  cut  oiV, 
Colonel  Thornton's  retreat.  General  Lambert's 
construction  was  such  as  had  been  anticipated.  Al- 
Uiough  the  armistice   contained  a  request  that  it 


LTFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  f>95 

should  be  immediately  signed  and  returned,  it  was 
neglected  to  be  acted  upon  until  tlie  next  day ;  and 
Thornton  and  his  command  were,  in  the  interim, 
under  cover  of  the  night,  re-crossed,  and  the  ground 
they  occupied  lefl  to  be  peaceably  possessed  by  the 
original  holders.  The  opportunity  thus  afforded  of 
regaining  a  position  on  which,  in  a  great  degree, 
depended  the  safety  of  those  on  the  opposite  sliore, 
was  accepted  with  an  avidity  its  importance  merit- 
ed, and  immediate  measures  taken  to  increase  its 
Ftrength,  and  prepare  it  against  any  future  attack 
that  might  be  made.  This  delav  of  the  British  com- 
mander  was  evidently  designed,  that,  pending  the 
negotiation,  and  before  it  was  concluded,  an  oppor- 
tunity might  be  had,  either  of  throwing  over  re-en- 
forcements, or  removing  Colonel  Thornton  and  his 
troops  from  a  situation  so  extremely  perilous.  Early 
next  morning.  General  Lambert  returned  his  ac- 
c(!ptance  of  what  had  been  proposed,  with  an  apol- 
ogy for  having  failed  to  reply  sooner  :  he  excused 
the  omission,  by  pleading  a  press  of  business,  which 
had  occasioned  the  communication  to  be  overlooked. 
Jackson  was  at  no  loss  to  attribute  the  delay  to  the 
correct  motive :  the  apology,  however,  was  as  per- 
fectly satisfactory  to  liim  as  any  thing  that  could  have 
been  offered ;  beyond  the  object  intended  to  be  effect 
ed,  he  felt  unconcerned,  and,  having  secured  this, 
rested  perfectly  satisfied.  It  cannot,  however,  ap- 
pear otherwise  than  extraordinary,  that  this  neglect 
should  have  been  ascribed  by  the  British  general  to 
accident,  or  a  press  of  business,  wlien  it  must  havo 
been,  no  doubt,  of  greater  importance,  at  that  mo- 
ment, than  any  thing  which  he  could  possibly  ha^a 
had  before  him. 


296  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

TIjo  armistice  was  this  morning  (9th  of  January) 
concluded,  and  agreed  to  continue  until  two  o'clock 
in  tlie  evening.  The  dead  and  wounded  were  now 
removed  from  the  field,  which,  for  three  hundred 
yards  in  front  of  our  line  of  defence,  they  almost 
literally  covered.  For  the  reason  already  suggest- 
ed, our  soldiers,  within  the  line  of  demarcation  be- 
tween the  two  camps,  delivered  over  to  the  British, 
who  were  not  permitted  to  cross  it,  the  dead  for 
burial,  and  the  wounded  on  parole,  for  which  it  was 
stipulated,  an  equal  number  of  American  prisoners 
should  be  restored. 

It  has  seldom  happened  that  officers  v/ere  more 
deceived  in  their  expectations  than  they  were  in 
the  result  of  this  battle,  or  atoned  more  severely  for 
their  error  :  their  reasoning  had  never  led  them  to 
conclude,  that  militia  Vv^ould  maintain  their  ground 
when  warmly  assailed  :  a  firm  belief  was  enter- 
tained, that,  alarmed  at  the  appearance  and  orderly 
approach  of  veteran  troops,  they  would  at  once  for- 
sake the  contest,  and  in  flight  seek  for  safety.  At 
what  part  of  our  line  they  were  stationed,  was  as- 
certained by  a  deserter,  on  tlie  Gth  ;  and,  influenced 
by  a  belief  of  their  want  of  nerve,  and  deficiency  m 
bravery,  on  this  point  the  main  assault  was  urged. 
Th§y  were  indeed  militia ;  but  the  enemy  could 
liave  assailed  no  part  of  our  intrenchment  where 
they  would  have  met  a  warmer  reception,  or  where 
they  would  have  found  greater  strength :  it  was 
indeed  the  best  defended  part  of  the  Ime.  The 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  troops,  under  Generals 
Carroll,  Thomas  and  Adair,  were  here,  who  had 
already  won  a  reputation  that  was  too  dear  to  be 
sacrificed      These    divisions,  alternately  charging 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSOI^.  297 

their  pieces,  and  mounting  the  platform,  poured 
forth  a  constant  fire,  that  was  impossible  to  be 
withstood,  repelled  the  advancing  columns,  and 
drove  them  from  the  field  with  prodigious  slaugh- 
ter. 

Tliere  is  one  fact  told,  to  which  general  credit 
seems  to  be  attached,  and  which  clearly  shows  the 
opinion  had  by  the  British  of  our  militia,  and  the 
little  fear  which  was  entertained  of  any  determined 
opposition  from  them.  When  repulsed  from  our 
line,  the  British  officers  were  fully  persuaded  that 
the  information  given  them  by  the  deserter,  on  ths 
night  of  the  6th,  was  false,  and  that,  instead  of 
pointing  out  the  ground  defended  by  the  militia,  he 
had  referred  them  to  the  place  occupied  by  our  best 
troops.  Enraged  at  what  they  believed  an  inten- 
tional deception,  they  called  their  informant  before 
them,  to  account  for  the  mischief.  It  was  in  vain 
he  urged  his  innocence,  and,  with  the  most  solemn 
protestations,  declared  he  had  stated  the  fact  truly. 
They  could  not  be  convinced, — it  was  impossible 
that  they  had  contended  against  any  but  the  best 
disciplined  troops ;  and,  without  further  ceremony, 
the  poor  fellow,  suspended  in  view  of  the  camp,  ex- 
piated, on  a  tree,  not  his  crime,  for  what  he  had 
stated  was  true,  but  their  error,  in  underrating  an 
enemy  who  had  already  afforded  abundant  evidences 
of  valour.  In  all  their  future  trials  with  our  coun- 
trymen may  tliev  be  no  less  deceived ! 


298  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 


CHAPTER   XI. 

Bombardment  of  FoH  St.  Philip. — British  army  retire  to  their 
shipinng. —  General  Jackson,  with  Jiis  troops,  returns  to  New 
Orleans. — Day  of  tlvxnksgiving. — Reduction  of  Fort  Bmcyer. 
— Legislature  of  Louisiana  re-commence  tlieir  session. — DiscoU' 
tents  fomenttd  among  tlie  American  troops. — Arrest  of  Louail' 
tier  ;  of  Judge  Hall. — Peace  announced. — General  Jackson  is 
prosecuted  for  contempt  of  court ;  his  apoearance  in  court. — 
Speech  at  the  coffee-house. — His  own  opinion  of  martial  law. — 
Troops  are  disclmrged,  and  the  general  returns  to  A^'ushville.—  ■ 
Reduction  ojtlie  anmj. — Jackson's  commission  as  general  anmd 
led. —  Treaty  with  Spain. — He  is  appointed goverrior  of  the  Flor-^ 
idas. —  Transactions  there. — His  resignation. — He  is  appointed 
minister  to  Mexico  ;  declines  the  mission ;  his  reasons  ;  is  elect' 
ed  a  senator  of  the  United  States  ;  i-esigns  Uie  office. — His 
person  and  character. — Anecdotes. — Comlusion 

The  conflict  had  ended,  and  each  army  occupied 
•ts  former  position.  The  enemy  were  visibly  alter- 
ed :  menace  was  sunk  into  dejection,  and  offensive 
measures  yielded  to  those  which  promised  safety 
They  were  perceived  to  be  erecting  partial  defences, 
to  guard  against  expected  attack.  It  had  been  an- 
nounced, that  a  considerable  force  had  succeeded  in 
passing  the  Baiize — made  prisoners  of  a  detach- 
ment, and  was  proceeding  up  the  Mississippi,  to  co- 
operate with  the  land  forces :  it  was  intended  to 
aid  in  the  battle  of  the  8th.  The  enemy,  it  seem- 
ed probable,  might  again  renew  the  attack,  on  the 
arrival  of  this  force,  and  every  preparation  was  in 
progress  to  be  again  in  readiness. 

Of  this  formidable  advance  no  certain  intelli- 
gence was  received  until  the  night  of  tlie  11th, 
when  a  heavy  cannonading,  supposed  to  be  on  Fort 
St.  Philip,  was  distinctly  heard.  Jackson  entertain- 
ed no  fears  for  the  result.     The  advantages  in  de- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  299 

fence,  which  his  precaution  had  early  extended  to 
this  passage  to  the  city,  added  to  an  entire  confi- 
dence in  the  skill  of  the  officer  to  whom  it  had 
been  confided,  led  him  to  believe  there  was  nothing' 
to  be  apprehended.     The  enemy's  squadron,  con- 
sisting of  two   bomb  vessels,  a  brig,  sloop,   and 
schooner,  were   discovered   by  the  videttes,  from 
Fort  Bourbon,  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  directing 
their  course  up  the  river ;  signals  were  made,  in- 
formation communicated,  and  every  thing  was  in 
readiness  to  receive  them.     About  ten  o'clock,  hav- 
ing approached  within  striking  distance,  an  assault 
was  commenced  on  the  fort,  and  an  immense  quan- 
tity of  bombs  and  balls  was  discharged  against  it. 
A  severe  and  well-directed  fire  from  our  water  bat- 
tery soon  compelled  them  to  retire  about  two  miles. 
At  this  distance,  the  enemy  was  possessed  of  de- 
cided advantages, — having  it  in  their  power  to  reach 
the  fort  with  the  shot  from  their  large  mortars,  while 
they  were   entirely  without   the   range   of  ours. 
The  assault  continued  without  much  intermission, 
from  the  9th  until  the  night  of  the  17th.    They  had 
hitherto  lain  beyond  the  effective  range  of  our  shot, 
and  although,  from  their  large  mortars,  the  fort  had 
been  constantly  reached,  and  pierced  in  innumera- 
ble places,  still,  such  an  effect  had  not  been  pro- 
duced, as  to  justify  a  belief,  that  they  could  now, 
more  than  at  the  moment  of  their  arrival,  venture 
to   pass.      A   heavy   mortar   having   been   turned 
against  them  on  the  17th,  the  security  they  had 
hitherto   enjoyed  was  taken  away:    their  vessels 
could  now  be   reached  with  considerable  effect. 
This  circumstance,  and  an  ineffectual  bombardment, 
which,  though  continued  for  eight  days,  had  secur- 
ed no  decided  advantage,  induced  them  to  suspend 


300  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

all  further  efforts  ;  and,  on  the  morning  of  the  ISth, 
they  retired. 

Major  Overton,  who  commanded  at  this  place, 
his  officers  and  soldiers,  distinguished  themselves. 
To  arrest  the  enemy's  passage  up  the  river,  and 
prevent  them  from  uniting  with  the  forces  below  the 
city,  was  of  great  importance ;  ajid  to  succeed  in 
this  was  as  much  as  could  be  expected.  So  long, 
therefore,  as  they  kept  at  a  distance,  nor  attempted 
a  final  accomplishment  of  their  object,  no  other  con- 
cern was  felt  than  to  watch  their  manoeuvres,  and 
adopt  such  a  course  as  should  afford  safety  to  the 
troops  in  the  garrison :  for  this  purpose,  pieces  of 
timber  and  scantling  were  used,  which  formed  a 
cover,  and  gave  protection  from  their  bombs.  The 
store  of  ammunition  was  also  divided,  and  buried  in 
different  places  in  the  earth,  that,  in  the  event  of 
accident,  the  whole  might  not  be  lost.  During  the 
period  of  the  bombardment,  which  lasted  with  little 
intermission  for  nine  days,  sleep  was  almost  a  stran- 
ger in  the  fort.  The  night  was  the  time  when  most 
of  all  it  was  feared  the  enemy,  aided  by  the  dark- 
ness, and  some  fortunate  breeze,  would  have  it  in 
their  power  to  ascend  the  river,  in  despite  of  every 
opposition  :  the  constant  activity,  which  was  neces- 
sary, prevented  all  opportunities  for  repose.  On  a 
tempestuous  night,  the  wind  setting  fair  to  aid  them, 
an  attempt  was  made  to  pass :  to  divert  the  atten- 
tion of  the  fort,  and  favour  the  chances  for  ascent, 
their  boats  were  sent  forward  to  commence  an  at  • 
tack.  In  this  they  were  disappointed,  and  compel- 
led to  abandon  the  undertaking.  At  length,  after 
many  fruitless  efforts,  and  an  immense  waste  of  la- 
Dour  and  ammunition,  they  retired  without  effecting 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 


301 


their  purpose,  or  producing,  to  us,  a  greater  injury 
than  the  loss  of  nine  of  the  garrison,  who  were  kill- 
ed and  wounded. 

The  failure  of  tliis  squadron  to  ascend  the  river, 
perhaps,  determined  General  Lambert  in  the  course 
which  he  immediately  adopted.     His  situation  be- 
fore our  line  was  truly  an  unpleasant  one.     Our 
batteries,  after  the  8th,  wore  continually  throwing 
balls  and  bombs  into  his  camp  ;  and  wherever  a. 
party  of  troops  appeared  in  the  field,  they  were 
greatly  annoyed.     Thus  harassed,— perceiving  all 
assistance  through  this    channel   had   failed,   and 
constantly  in  apprehension  lest  an  attack  should  be 
made  upon  him,— he  resolved  on  availing  himself 
of  the  first  favourable  opportunity  to  depart,  and 
forsake  a  contest  where  every  effort  had  met  dis- 
appointment, and  where  an  immense  number  of  his 
troops  had  found  their  graves.     The  more  certainly 
to  effect  a  retreat  in  safety,  detachments  had  been 
Bent  out  to  remove  every  obstruction  that  could  re- 
tard their  progress  through  the  swamp.     To  give 
greater  facility  to  his  departure,  strong  redoubts 
were  erected  on  the  way,  and  bridges  thrown  across 
every  creek  and  bayou  that  obstructed  the  passage. 
Every  thing  being  thus  prepared,  on  the  night  of 
the  18th,  General  Lambert  silently  decamped,  and, 
proceeding  towards  the  lake,  embarked  for  his  ship- 
ping, leaving,  and  recommending  to  the  clemency 
of  the  American  general,  eighty  of  his  soldiers,  who 
were  too  severely  wounded  to  be  removed.     With 
such  silence  was  this  decampment  managed,  that 
not  the  slightest  intelligence  was  communicated, 
even  to  our  sentinels  occupying  the  out-posts.    Early 
on  th.e  next  morning,  the  enemy's  camp  was  perceiv- 
ed to  be  evacuated ;  but  what  had  become  of  them* 
26 


302  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

and  whither  they  had  gone,  could  only  be  conjec- 
tured :  no  information  on  the  subject  was  possessed. 
To  ascertain  the  cause  of  this  new  appearance  of 
things,  detachments  were  in  readiness  to  reconnoi- 
tre their  camp,  when  Surgeon  Wadsdale,  of  the 
staff,  arrived  at  our  line,  with  a  letter  to  General 
Jackson,  from  the  British  commander,  announcing 
his  determination  to  suspend,  "for  tlje  present,  all 
further  operations  against  New  Orleans,"  and  re- 
questing his  humanity  towards  the  wounded  he  had 
left,  whom  necessity  had  compelled  him  to  abandon. 

Detachments  were  sent  out  to  ascertain  the  cause 
of  this  unexpected  state  of  things;  with  orders  to 
harass  their  rear,  if  a  retreat  were  really  intended. 
But  the  precaution  taken  by  the  enemy,  and  the 
ground  over  which  they  were  retreating,  prevented 
pursuit  in  sufficient  numbers  to  secure  any  valua- 
ble result. 

Thus,  in  total  disappointment,  terminated  an  in- 
vasion fromwhich  much  had  been  expected.  Twen- 
ty-six days  before,  flushed  with  the  hope  of  certain 
victory,  had  this  army  erected  its  standard  on  the 
banks  of  the  Mississippi.  At  that  moment,  they 
would  have  treated  with  contempt  an  assertion,  that 
in  ten  days  they  would  not  enter  the  city  of  New 
Orleans.  How  changed  the  portrait  from  the  ex- 
pected reality !  But  a  few  days  since,  and  they 
were  confident  of  a  triumph,  and  a  termination  of 
their  labours  :  now,  vanquished  and  cut  to  pieces, 
at  midnight,  under  the  cover  of  its  darkness,  they  are 
found  silently  abandoning  their  camp, — breaking 
to  pieces  their  artillery, — fleeing  from  an  enemy, 
whom,  but  a  little  while  before,  they  had  held  in  ut- 
ter contempt,  and  submitting  their  wounded  to  his 
clemency. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  303 

The  enemy  had  indeed  retired,  and,  "for  the 
present,  relinquished  ail  further  operations  against 
New  Orleans  ;"  but  of  what  continuance  their  for- 
bearance would  be,  whether  they  might  not  avail 
themselves  of  the  first  flattering  opportunity  to  re- 
new the  struggle,  and  wipe  off  the  stain  of  a  defeat 
so  wholly  unexpected,  could  not  be  known.  The 
hopes  and  expectations  indulged  in  England,  of  the 
success  of  this  expedition,  had  inspirited  the  whole 
army  ;  and  failure  had  never  been  anticipated. 
They  had  nov/  retired  ;  yet,  from  their  convenient 
situation,  and  having  command  of  the  surrounding 
waters,  it  was  in  their  power,  at  a  short  notice,  to 
re-appear,  at  the  same,  or  some  more  favouraWe 
point,  cause  a  repetition  of  the  hardships  already 
encountered,  and,  perhaps,  succeed  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  their  views.  These  considerations  led 
General  Jackson  to  conclude,  that,  although,  for  tlie 
present,  there  was  an  abandonment  of  the  enter- 
prise, still  it  behooved  him  not  to  relax  in  his  sys- 
tem of  defence  ;  but  be  in  constant  readiness  to 
maintain  the  advantages  he  had  gained  ;  and  not 
to  risk  a  loss  of  the  country  by  a  careless  indiffer- 
ence, growing  out  of  the  belief  that  danger  had 
subsided. 

The  enemy  being  again  at  their  shipping,  with 
an  entire  control  of  the  lakes  and  gulf,  it  could  not 
be  known  at  what  point  they  might  venture  on  a 
second  attack.  General  Jackson  determined  to 
withdraw  his  troops  from  the  position  they  had  so 
long  occupied,  and  place  them  about  the  city, 
whence,  to  repel  any  further  attempt  that  might  be 
made,  they  could  be  advanced  wherever  it  should 
become  necessary.  TJie  seventh  regiment  of  in- 
fantry remained  to  protect  the  point  he  was  leaving , 


304  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

while,  farther  in  advance,  on  Villery's  Canal,  where 
a  landing  had  been  first  effected,  were  posted  a  de- 
tachment of  Kentucky  and  Louisiana  militia.  To 
secure  this  point  more  effectually,  orders  were  g-iv- 
en,  on  the  22d,  to  throw  up  a  strong  fortification  at 
the  junction  of  Manzant  and  Bayou  Bienvenu ;  which 
order  was  again  attempted  to  be  executed  on  the 
25th.  On  both  occasions  failure  was  the  result, 
from  the  circumstance  of  the  enemy  having,  on 
their  retreat,  left  a  strong  guard  at  this  place, 
which,  from  its  situation,  defied  approach  by  a  force 
competent  to  its  reduction.  Their  occupying  this 
position  was  looked  to  as  a  circumstance  which  af- 
forded strong  evidence  that  further  hostilities  were 
not  v/holly  abandoned.  To  counteract,  however, 
any  advantages  which  might  thence  be  derived,  dif- 
ferent points  along  the  swamp,  and  in  the  direction 
of  Terre  au  Boeuf,  were  occupied,  and  strong  works 
erected. 

These  arrangements  being  made,  calculated,  if  not 
to  prevent,  to  give  intelligence  of  an  approach  in 
time  to  be  resisted,  on  the  20th  of  January,  Gene- 
ral Jackson,  with  his  remaining  forces,  commenced 
his  march  to  New  Orleans.  The  general  g^low  ex- 
cited  at  beholding  his  entrance  into  the  city,  at  the 
head  of  a  victorious  army,  w^as  manifested  by  all 
those  feelings  which  patriotism  inspires.  The  win- 
dows and  streets  vrere  crowded,  to  view  the  man 
who  had  preserved  the  country  It  was  a  scene 
well  calculated,  to  excite  the  tenderest  emotions. 
Fathers,  sons,  and  husbands,  urged  by  the  necessity 
of  the  times,  were  toiling  in  defence  of  their  wives 
and  children.  A  ferocious  soldiery,  skilled  in  the 
art  of  war,  and  to  whom  every  indulgence  had  been 
promised,  were  straining  to  effect  their  object.   The 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  305 

tender  female,  relieved  from  the  anguish  of  sus- 
pense,  no  longer  trembled  for  her  safety  and  her 
honour  :  a  new  order  of  things  had  arisen  :  joy 
sparkled  in  every  countenance  ;  while  scarcely  a 
widow  or  an  orphan  was  seen,  to  cloud  the  general 
transport.  The  general,  under  whose  banners  ev- 
ery thing  had  been  achieved,  deliberate,  and  spar- 
ing of  the  lives  of  the  brave,  had  dispelled  the  storm 
which  had  so  long  threatened  the  ruin  of  thousands ; 
and  was  now  restoring,  unhurt,  tliose  who  had  with 
him  maintained  the  contest.  His  approach  was 
hailed  with  acclamations.  All  greeted  his  return, 
and  hailed  him  as  their  deliverer. 

The  23d  having  been  appointed  a  day  of  prayer 
and  thanksgiving  for  the  happy  deliverance  effect- 
ed by  our  arms,  Jackson  repaired  to  the  cathedral. 
The  church  and  altar  were  splendidly  decorated, 
and  more  than  could  obtain  admission  had  crowded 
to  witness  the  ceremony.  A  grateful  recollection 
of  his  exertions  to  save  the  country  was  cherished 
by  ail ;  nor  did  the  solemnity  of  the  occasion,  even 
here,  restrain  a  manifestation  of  their  regard,  or  in- 
duce them  to  withhold  the  honour  he  had  so  nobly 
earned.  Children,  robed  in  white,  and  represent- 
ing the  different  states,  were  employed  in  strew- 
ing the  way  Vvith  flowers ;  while,  as  he  passed,  a 
flattering  ode,  produced  for  the  occasion,  saluted 
his  ears  : — 


Hall  to  the  chief!  who  hied  at  wars  alarms 
To  save  our  threatened  land  from  hostile  armsj 
Preserved,  protected  by  liis  gallant  care, 
Be  his  the  e^rateful  tribute  of  each  fair  : 
With  joyful  triumph  swell  the  choral  lay — 
Strew,  strew  with  flow'rs  the  hero's  welcome  way. 
Jackson,  all  hail  ! — our  country's  pride  and  boast, 
Whose  mind's  a  council,  and  liis  arm  a  host* 

2G* 


306  LIFC    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

Welcome,  blest  chief!  accept  ouigjateful  lays, 
L'libiddeu  hoinaj^e,  and  spontaneous  praise ; 
Ileniembrance  long  bliall  keep  alive  thy  fame, 
And  future  infants  learn  to  lisp  thy  name. 

When  the  general  reached  the  church,  Dubourg, 
the  reverend  administrator  of  the  diocess,  met  him 
at  tlie  door.  Addressing  him  in  a  strain  of  pious 
eloquence,  he  entreated  him  to  remember,  that  his 
splendid  achievements,  which  were  echoed  from 
every  tongue,  v.-ere  to  be  ascribed  to  Ilim  to  whom 
all  praise  was  due.  "  Let  the  votary  of  blind  chance," 
continued  he,  "  deride  our  credulous  simplicity.  Let 
the  cold-hearted  atheist  look  for  an  explanation  of 
important  events  to  the  mere  concatenation  of  hu- 
man causes  :  to  us,  the  whole  world  is  loud  in  pro- 
claiming a  Supreme  Ruler,  who,  as  he  holds  the 
destiny  of  man  in  his  hands,  holds  also  the  tJiread 
of  all  contingent  occurrences  :  from  his  lofty  tJirone, 
he  moves  every  scene  below, — infuses  his  wisdom  in- 
to the  rulers  of  nations,  and  executes  his  uncontrolla- 
ble judgments  on  the  sons  of  men,  according  to  the 
dictates  of  his  own  unerring  justice."  He  conclud- 
ed his  impressive  address,  by  presenting  the  gene- 
ral with  a  wreath  of  laurel,  woven  for  the  occasion, 
and  which  he  desired  him  to  accept  as  "  a  prize  of 
victory." 

General  Jackson  accepted  the  pledge,  presented 
as  a  mark  of  distinguished  favour  by  the  reverend 
prelate,  and  returned  him  a  reply  no  less  impressive 
than  the  address  he  had  received.  He  was  now 
conducted  in,  and  seated  near  the  altar,  when  tlie 
church  ceremonies  were  commenced,  and  inspired 
every  mind  with  a  solemn  reverence  for  the  ccca- 
Bion.  These  being  ended,  he  retired  to  his  quar- 
ters, to  renew  a  system  of  defence,  which  should 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  307 

ensure  entire  safety,  and  ward  off  any  future  dan- 
ger that  might  arise.  The  right  bank  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi was  now  strengthened  by  additional  re-en- 
forcements, and  a  strong  position  taken  on  La 
Fourche,  to  prevent  any  passage  in  that  direction. 
Suitable  arrangements  for  security  having  been  al- 
ready made  below  the  city,  Generals  Coffee  and 
Carroll  Vv'ere  instructed  to  resume  their  former  en- 
campment, four  miles  above.  The  rest  of  the  troops 
were  arranged  at  different  points,  where  necessity 
seemed  most  to  require  it. 

Previously  to  General  Lambert's  departure,  arti- 
cles of  agreement  had  been  entered  into  by  the 
commanders  of  the  two  armies,  for  an  exchange  ot 
prisoners  ;  in  pursuance  of  which,  sixty-three 
Americans,  taken  on  the  night  of  the  23d,  had 
been  delivered  up  :  the  remainder,  principally  taken 
at  the  capture  of  our  gun-boats,  were  aflerwards 
surrendered  by  Admiral  Cochrane,  and  an  equaj 
number  of  British  prisoners  sent  off  to  be  delivered 
at  the  Balize. 

The  enemy  had  now  withdrawn  from  the  shore 
the  troops  which  had  been  landed,  and  occupied 
their  former  position  at  Cat  and  Ship  Islands.  Mor- 
tified at  their  unexpected  disaster,  they  were  pro- 
jecting a  plan,  by  which  it  was  expected  a  partial 
advantage  might,  perhaps,  be  secured,  and  the  stig- 
ma of  defeat  be  somewhat  obliterated. 

Fort  Bowyer  had  been  once  assailed,  with  a  con- 
siderable force,  by  land  and  water,  and  failure  had 
resulted.  This  post,  the  key  to  Mobile,  of  infinite 
consequence,  had  been  retained  under  the  com- 
mand of  him,  who,  heretofore,  had  defended  it  so 
valiantly.  The  British  commander,  turning  from 
those  scenes  of  disappointment,  and  anxious  to  le- 


803  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

trieve  his  fortunes,  before,  with  his  shattered  and 
diminished  forces,  he  should  retire,  perceived  no 
place  against  which  he  miglit  proceed  with  better 
founded  hopes  of  success. 

On  the  6tli  o-f  February,  the  British  shipping  ap- 
peared off  Dauphin  Island,  fronting  the  point  on 
which  stood  the  fort,  garrisoned  with  three  hundred 
and  sixty  men.  Having  made  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements, on  the  8tli  an  attack  was  commenced, 
both  from  the  land  and  water.  The  fleet  was  form- 
ed in  two  divisions,  and  approached  within  one  and 
two  miles,  bearing  south  and  south-west  from  it. 
But  the  principal  attack,  and  that  which  compelled 
a  surrender,  was  from  the  shore,  where  Colonel 
Nicholls  and  Woodbine  had  carried  on  their  opera- 
tions in  September.  Five  thousand  troops,  aided  by 
pieces  of  heavy  ordnance,  secured  from  the  fire  of 
our  guns  by  large  embankments,  urged  the  assault. 
Under  cover  of  the  two  succeeding  nights,  redoubts 
had  been  thrown  up,  and  trenches  cut  through  the 
sand,  which  enabled  them  to  approach  gradually, 
without  being  exposed  to  the  fire  of  our  guns. 
Twice,  on  the  8th,  v»-ere  detachments  sent  out,  to 
effect  by  storm  the  accomplishment  of  their  pur- 
pose ;  but  the  fire  from  the  fort  compelled  an  aban- 
donment of  their  course,  and  drove  them  to  the  ne- 
cessity of  approaching  by  trenches,  protected  by 
fitrong  redoubts.  To  demolish  these  from  the  fort 
was  impracticable  from  their  strength  ;  and  to  at- 
tempt to  prevent  their  erection  by  any  sortie,  with 
60  weak  a  force,  would  have  been  imprudent.  Thus 
eituated,  and  every  thing  being  ready  to  attack  the 
fort,  if  opposition  were  still  intended,  about  ten 
o'clock  on  the  11th  the  enemy  hoisted  a  flag:  Major 
Lawrence  raised  another.     Hostilities  ceased,  and 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  309 

General  Lambert  required  a  surrender.  The  offi 
cers.  being  convoked,  with  one  consent  agreed  that 
further  resistance  would  be  ineffectual,  and  could 
only  lead  to  the  unnecessary  loss  of  many  valuable 
lives.  A  capitulation  was  agreed  on,  and  the  fort 
forthwith  yielded  to  the  enemy. 

General  Winchester,  who  commanded  at  Mobile, 
having  received  intelligence  of  what  was  passing 
at  the  point,  ordered  a  detachment  of  a  thousand 
men,  under  Major  Blue,  to  proceed  down  the  bay, 
and  aid  in  its  defence.  This  auxiliary  force  was  toe 
late  :  having  surprised  and  captured  one  of  the  en 
emy's  out  pickets,  consisting  of  seventeen  men,  and 
ascertained  that  a  surrender  had  already  takea 
place,  they  returned.  Had  this  detachment  reach 
ed  its  destination,  our  loss  would  have  been  more 
severe.  The  enemy's  forces  were  too  numerous, 
and  their  means  of  attack  too  effectual,  for  any 
different  result  to  have  takon  place,  even  had  the 
detachment  arrived  in  time. 

It  had  early  been  the  wisi  of  General  Jackson, 
for  the  large  frigate,  lying  at  Tchifonte,  to  be  com- 
pleted, and  placed  in  defence  of  Fort  Bowyer.  We 
have  before  remarked  the  confidence  entertained 
by  him,  that,  with  the  aid  of  this  vessel,  no  force 
brought  against  the  place  would  be  competent  to 
its  reduction.  Near  it  is  the  only  channel  a  vessel 
of  any  size  can  pass.  This  frigate,  occupying  the 
passage,  would  have  presented  as  strong  a  battery 
as  could  be  brought  against  her,  and,  with  the  aid 
of  the  fort,  defied  any  assault  from  the  water  • 
while  her  position  would  have  enabled  her  to  have 
thrown  her  bombs  and  shot  across  the  narrow  neck 
of  land,  in  the  rear  of  the  point,  and  arrested  the  ad- 
vance of  any  number  of  troops,  which,  in  this  direc 


310  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

lion,  might  have  attempted  an  approach.  Yet  more 
money  had  been  disbursed  by  the  government  in 
erecting  shelters,  to  protect  the  frigate  from  the 
weather,  than  would  have  been  sufficient  for  her 
completion. 

The  legislature  of  Louisiana  had  re-commenced 
their  session.  Some  of  the  members,  during  the 
past  struggle,  had  forsaken  their  official  duties,  and 
repaired  to  the  field,  where  more  important  services 
were  to  be  rendered,  and  wliere  they  had  manifest- 
ed a  devotion  to  the  country  worthy  of  ijnitation. 
A  much  greater  part,  however,  had  pursued  a  very 
opposite  course,  and  stood  aloof  from  the  impending 
canger.  The  disposition  they  had  shown,  on  the 
28th  of  December,  to  propose  a  capitulation,  has 
been  adverted  to  :  how  far  it  was  calculated  to  es- 
trange the  public  sentiment  from  that  conviction, 
which  the  commanding  genera]  had  endeavoured 
to  impress,  "  that  the  country  could  and  would  be 
successfully  defended,"  can  be  easily  imagined. 
But  with  them  he  had  sinned  beyond  forgiveness. 
The  course  he  had  adopted — his  arresting  their 
proceedings,  and  suspending  their  deliberations,  by 
placing  an  armed  force  at  the  door  of  the  capitol^ 
were  viewed  as  intolerable  infringements  upon  le- 
gislative prerogative,  denounced  as  an  abuse  of 
power,  and  hence  the  first  opportunity  w^as  seized 
to  exhibit  their  resentment. 

No  sooner  had  the  members  resumed  the  exer- 
cise of  their  legislative  duties,  than  their  first  con- 
cern was  to  pass  in  review  the  incidents  of  the  last 
month.  To  those  who  had  acted  vigilantly  in  the 
defence  of  the  state,  and  who,  by  their  toils  and  ex- 
ertions, liad  contributed  to  its  safety,  they  officially 
tendered  their  thanks.     In  pursuance  of  their  reso- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  311 

lutions,  the  governor  addressed  the  principal  offi 
cers ;  but  of  Jackson  nothing  was  said.  We  are 
not  disposed  to  censure,  or  even  call  in  question,  the 
conduct  of  this  body,  though  the  circumstances  pre- 
sent no  very  favourable  appearance.  When  dan- 
ger threatened,  they  were  disposed  to  make  terms 
with  the  enemy,  by  a  surrender  of  the  city :  from 
this  they  were  prevented  by  a  decision  of  charac- 
ter that  compelled  legislative  to  yield  to  military 
authority.  Greatly  incensed  at  being  thus  unex- 
pectedly restrained  in  the  execution  of  their  de- 
signs, no  sooner  did  they  resume  the  duties  of  their 
station,  than  they  became  lavish  in  the  praise  of 
those  who  pursued  a  course  directly  contrary  to 
their  own  ;  while  in  that  commendation  they  inten- 
tionally neglected  the  very  man,  to  whom  their  sec- 
tion of  the  country  was  indebted  for  its  salvation. 

Appearances  in  the  American  camp  were  about 
this  time  assuming  an  unfavourable  aspect :  present 
danger  being  removed,  confusion  was  arising,  and 
disaffection  spreading  tlirough  the  ranks.  Pretexts 
were  sought  after  to  escape  the  drudgery  of  tb.e 
field.  Many  naturalized  citizens,  who  had  been 
brought  into  the  service,  to  aid  in  the  general  de- 
fence, were  seeking  exemption  from  furtlier  control, 
and  claiming  to  be  subjects  of  the  king  of  France. 
Some  were  indeed  foreigners  ;  but  most  of  them 
had,  by  naturalization,  become  citizens  of  the  Unit- 
ed States.  Notwithstanding  this,  as  French  sub- 
jects, they  M'^ere  actually  procuring  exonerations 
through  Monsieur  Toussard,  the  consul  resident  at 
New  Orleans.  No  applicant  ever  went  away  un- 
eupplied,  and  hundreds,  for  cue  price  of  a  consular 
certificate,  obtained  protections  which  were  to  re- 
lieve them  from  the  drudgery  of  the  field,  and  the 


312  LIFE    OF  GEN'ERAL    JACKSOX. 

ties  due  to  their  adopted  country  A  flag  was  dis- 
played from  the  consul's  residence,  and  rumour  cir- 
culated, that  under  it  every  Frenchman  would  find 
protection.  Five  dollars,  the  price  of  the  certificate, 
was  all  that  was  required  of  any  applicant  to  assure, 
through  the  consel,  the  protection  of  the  French 
government.  Harassed  by  such  evils,  every  day 
increasing,  and  having  satisfactory  reasons  to  be- 
lieve the  enemy,  then  within  a  few  hours'  sail  of  the 
shore,  were  constantly  advised  of  his  situation,  Jack- 
son determined  to  adopt  such  measures  as  woidd  at 
once  put  down  the  machinations  of  the  designing. 
Toussard,  thus  manifesting — what  could  be  consid- 
ered in  no  other  light — a  warmth  of  attachment  to 
the  English,  and  a  desire  to  aid  them,  for  the  ser- 
vices, perhaps,  which  they  had  given  in  the  restora- 
tion of  his  monarch,  was  ordered  to  leave  the  city, 
retire  to  the  interior  of  the  country,  nor  venture  to 
return,  until  peace  was  restored.  His  countrymen, 
also,  who 'were  disposed  to  claim  his  protection, 
and  abandon  the  service,  were  ordered  to  fol- 
low him,  and,  at  their  peril,  not  to  appear  again 
about  New  Orleans.  The  general  did  this  with  a 
view  to  his  own  security,  from  a  conviction  that 
those  v/ho  could  thus  shamefully  seek  to  avoid  a 
contest,  threatened  against  a  country  which  they 
had  adopted,  v/ould  not  scruple,  if  an  occasion  of- 
fered, to  inflict  any  injury  in  their  power. 

Our  own  citizens,  too,  were  giving  rise  to  ditR- 
culties,  and  increasing  the  danger  of  the  moment. 
Mr.  Livingston  had  arrived,  on  the  10th,  from  the 
British  fleet,  v.-hither  he  had  gone  to  effect  a  gen- 
eral cartel :  through  him.  Admiral  Cochrane  had  an- 
nounced the  arrival  of  a  vessel  from  Jamaica,  with 
news,  that  a  treaty  of  peace  had  been  agreed  on, 


LITE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 


313 


and  signed  by  the  two  countries.    This  information 
v/as  immediately  caught  at  by  the  news-mongers, 
and   either  from  intention  or  want  of  correct  intel- 
lin-ence,  it  suddenly  appeared  in  the  Louisiana  Ga- 
zette, in  an  entirely  ditierent  shape  :  it  stated  the 
arrival  of  a  flag  at  head-quarters,  which  announced 
the  conclusion  of  a  peace,  and  requested  a  suspen- 
sion of  hostilities.      It  was  evident  the  effect  of 
6uch  a  declaration  would  be  to  introduce  lassitude, 
or  perhaps  disaffection,  among  the  troops,  and  induce 
a  belief  that  their  accustomed  vigilance  was  no  long- 
er necessary.    Sensible  of  this,  General  Jackson  sent 
for  the  editor,  and  instructed  him  to  alter  what  he 
had  stated,  and  exhibit  the  facts,  which  he  now  com- 
municated to  him,  truly  as  they  were.    He  adopted 
this  course  from  fear  of  the  consequences  to  be 
produced  to  himself.    One  thing  he  well  knew,  that 
the  enemy  had  retired  under  circumstances  of  mor- 
tification at  their  complete  discomfiture  ;  nor  was  it 
an  improbable  conjecture  that  they  might  yet  seek 
an   accomplishment   of  their    views    through  any 
channel    a   hope    of  success  could   be  discerned. 
Mifht  not  this  annunciation  of  peace,  and  request 
foAhe  suspension  of  hostilities,  introduced  through 
the  public  journals,  be  a  device  of  the  enemy  to  in- 
duce a  relaxation  in  his  system  of  operation ;  to  di- 
VJBit  his  officers  and  soldiers  from  that  activity  so 
essential  to  security  ;  to  excite  discontents,  and  a 
desire  to  be  discharged  from  the  further  drudg- 
ery of  a  camp  ?     All  these  dangers  he  saw  lurking 
beneath  it,  if  false  ;  and,  whether  true  or  false,  it 
was  foreign  to  his  duty  to  be  influenced  by  any 
thincr,  until  it  should  be  officially  communicated  by 
his  "government.     Fearful   of  the  effect  it  might 
produce,  he  lost  no  time  in  addressing  his  army  • 
27 


314  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

"  How  disgraceful,"  ho  remarked,  "  as  well  as  disas- 
trous, would  it  be,  if,  by  surrendering  ourselves 
credulously  to  newspaper  publications,  often  pro- 
ceeding from  ignorance,  but  more  frequently  from 
dishonest  design,  we  should  permit  an  enemy,  whon? 
we  have  so  lately  and  so  gloriously  beaten,  to  re- 
gain the  advantages  he  has  lost,  and  triumph  ovei 
us  in  turn  !"  A  general  order,  at  the  same  time,  an 
nounced  that  no  publication  relating  to,  or  affect 
ing  the  army,  was  to  be  published  in  any  newspa- 
per, without  permission  first  obtained. 

Notwithstanding  this  prohibition,  shortly  after- 
wards an  anonymous  publication  appeared  in  the 
Courier,  calculated  by  its  inflammatory  character 
to  excite  mutiny  among  the  troops,  and  afford  the 
enemy  intelligence  of  the  disposition  of  the  army. 
It  was  high  time,  the  general  believed,  to  act  with 
decision,  and  prove,  by  the  rigid  exercise  of  author- 
ity, that  such  conduct  militated  against  the  police 
and  safety  o£  his  camp,  and  required  not  to  be  pass- 
ed with  impunity.  The  enemy  had  heretofore  ef- 
fected a  landing  without  opposition  ;  and,  althougli 
beaten,  might  again  return.  If  spies  were  to  bo 
nestled  in  his  camp,  and  permitted  to  go  forth  to  the 
world  with  the  gleanings  of  their  industry,  it  was 
folly  to  believe  the  enemy  would  not  profit  by  the 
information.  Martial  law  still  prevailed  in  New 
Orleans,  and  he  resolved  to  put  it  in  execution 
anfainst  those  who  manifested  such  an  evident  dis- 
regard  of  the  public  good.  The  editor  was  imme- 
diately sent  for  to  the  general's  quarters  ;  he  stat- 
ed the  author  of  the  piece  to  be Louaillier, 

a  member  of  the  legislature,  and  he  was  tlicreupon 
discharged. 


LIFE    OF    GENEKAL    JACKSON.  315 

Louaillier  was  arrested,  and  detained  for  trial. 
This  circumstance  aftbrded  civilians  a  fair  opportu- 
nity of  testing  if  it  were  in  the  power  of  a  com- 
mandincr  o-eneralto  raise  the  military  above  the  civ- 
il authority,  and  render  it  superior  by  any  cieclara- 
tion  of  his.     Application  was  made  to  Judge  Hail 
for  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus,  which  was  immediate- 
ly issued      The  general,  to  render  the  example  as 
efficacious  as  possible,  and  from  information  that 
the  judge  had  been  much  more  officious  than  his 
duty  required,  and  believing,  in  fact,  that  it  was  a 
measure  of  concert  to  test  his  power,  determined 
to  arrest  him  also,  and  thereby  at  once  to  settle  tlie 
question  of  authority. 

Instead  of  surrendering  Mr.  Louailliei,  and  act- 
incr  in  obedience  to  the  writ  which  had  issued  for 
his  relief,  he  seized  the  person  of  the  judge,  and,  on 
the  11th  of  the  month,  sent  him  from  the  city,  with 
these  instructions—"  I  have  thought  proper  to 
send  you  beyond  the  limits  of  my  encampment,  to 
prevent  a  repetition  of  the  improper  conduct  with 
which  you  have  been  charged.  You  will  remain 
without  the  line  of  my  sentinels  until  the  ratifica- 
tion of  peace  is  regularly  announced,  or  ^  until  the 
British  shall  have  left  the  southern  coast." 

The  spirit  of  discontent  had  become  extensively 
diffused.  The  different  posts,  which  had  been  es- 
tablished, could  with  difficulty  be  maintained.  The 
Kentucky  troops,  and  two  hundred  of  the  Louisia- 
na militia,  stationed  in  defence  of  Vlllery's  Canah 
had  abandoned  their  post.  Chef  Menteur,  too,  a 
point  no  less  important,  had  been  forsaken  by  one 
hundred  and  fifty  of  the  Louisianians,  in  despite  ot 
the  exertions  of  their  officers  to  detain  them.  Gov- 
ernor Claiborne  had  been  heard  to  declare,  m  vsords 


316  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

of  mysterious  import,  that  serious  difficulties  would 
oe  shortly  witnessed  in  New  Orleans.  For  the 
commanding'  general,  at  a  time  like  this,  whei*  dis- 
affection was  spreading  like  contagion  through  his 
camp,  patiently  to  have  stood  and  witnessed  muti 
ny  fomented  and  encouraged  by  persons,  ^Yho,  from 
their  standing  in  society,  were  calculated  to  pos- 
sess a  dangerous  influence,  would  have  been  a  crime 
for  which  he  never  could  have  atoned.  He  thought 
it  time  enough  to  relax  in  his  operations,  and  ground 
his  arms,  when  the  conclusion  of  peace  should  be 
announced  through  the  proper  authorities.  Until 
then,  believing  that  imperious  duty  required  it,  he 
resolved  to  maintain  his  advantages,  and  check  op- 
position, at  every  hazard.  To  have  obeyed  the  writ 
would  have  been  idle.  He  had  declared  the  exist- 
ence of  military  authority,  and  thereby  intended  to 
supersede  all  judicial  power.  If  he  had  obeyed  the 
mandate,  it  would  have  been  an  acknow^ledgment  oi 
civil  supremacy,  and  a  virtual  abandonment  of  the 
course  he  had  adopted.  It  was  not  an  improbable 
event,  that  the  petitioner  would  be  discharged,  on  a 
hearing,  because  guilty  of  no  offence  cognizable  by 
the  civil  courts. 

On  the  13th  of  the  month,  two  days  after  the 
departure  of  Judge  Hall  from  the  city,  an  express 
reached  head-quarters,  with  despatches  from  the 
war  department,  at  Washington,  announcing  the 
conclusion  of  a  peace  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
United  States,  and  directing  a  cessation  of  hostili- 
ties. A  similar  communication  from  liis  govern 
ment  was  received  by  General  Lambert  shortly  af- 
terwards, and  on  the  19th  military  operations,  by 
the  two  armies,  entirely  ceased.  The  aspect  of  af 
fairs  was  now  chansrinof :  the  militia  were  discliar? 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  317 

ed  from  service ;  bustle  was  subsiding ;  and  joy 
and  tranquillity  every  where  appearing.  A  procla- 
mation, by  the  direction  of  the  president  of  the 
United  States,  was  issued,  extending  pardon  and 
forgiveness  for  past  offences. 

Judire  Hall,  being  restored  to  the  exercise  of 
those  functions,  of  which  he  had  been  lately  be- 
reaved by  military  arrest,  proceeded,  without  loss 
of  time,  to  an  examination  of  what  had  passed,  and 
to  become  the  arbiter  of  his  own  injuries.  Accord- 
ingly, on  the  21st,  he  granted  a  rule  of  court  for 
General  Jackson  to  appear,  and  show  cause  why  an 
attachment  for  contempt  should  not  be  awarded,  on 
the  ground  that  he  had  refused  to  obey  a  writ  issu- 
ed to  him,  detained  an  original  paper  belonging  to 
the  court,  and  imprisoned  the  judge. 

On  the  24th,  his  appearance  being  entered,  he 
stood  represented  at  the  bar  by  John  Reid,  his  aid- 
de-camp,  and  Messrs.  Livingston  and  Duncan.  Ma- 
jor Reid,  addressing  himself  to  the  court,  remarked, 
that  he  appeared  with  the  general's  answer,  supported 
by  an  affidavit,  which  went  to  show,  that  the  rule 
should  be  discharged,  and  no  further  proceeding  had 
against  him.     A  curious  course  of  judicial  proceed- 
ing was  now  witnessed.     Cause  why  the  rule  should 
not  be  made  absolute  was  to  be  shown,  and  yet  the 
judge  would  determine  whether  the  reasons  were 
exc'eptionable  or  not,  previously  to  their  being  heard 
or  seen.     The  counsel  urged  in  vain  the  propriety 
of  his  hearing  first,  before  he  decided,  if  the  an- 
swer  were  consonant  with  propriety.     This    was 
over-ruled.     He  would  first  determine  what  it  should 
be.     If  within  any  of  the  rules  laid  down,  it  should 
be  heard, — not  else. 
27* 


313  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON. 

"  If,"  remarked  the  judge,  "  tlie  party  object  to 
llie  jurisdiction,  he  shall  be  heard. 

"  If  it  be  a  denial  of  facts,  or  that  the  facts  charg- 
ed do  not  amount  to  a  contempt,  he  shall  be  heard. 

"  If  it  be  an  apology  to  tlie  court,  or  an  inten- 
tion to  show,  that  by  the  constitution  and  laws  of 
the  United  States,  or  in  virtue  of  his  military  com- 
mission, he  had  a  right  to  act  as  charged,  the  court 
will  hear  him." 

"  Hear  what  it  does  contain,  and  you  can  then 
decide  if  it  come  under  any  of  the  general  rules 
laid  down,"  was  replied  and  argued  at  length  by 
his  counsel,  as  the  correct  and  proper  course. 

After  a  debate  of  considerable  length,  Major 
Reid  was  permitted  to  read  the  ansv/er.  He  had 
gotten  through  the  exceptions  reserved  as  to  the 
jurisdiction,  and  was  proceeding  with  the  respond- 
ent's reasons,  manifesting  the  necessity,  and  the 
consequent  propriety,  of  declaring  martial  law,  when 
he  was  again  interrupted  by  the  judge,  because 
comins:  within  none  of  the  rules  which  he  had  laid 
down.  The  cars  of  the  court  were  closed  against 
every  thing  of  argum.ent  or  reason,  and,  without 
hearing  the  defence,  the  rule  against  him  was  ren- 
dered absolute,  and  the  attachment  sued  out. 

This  process  was  made  returnable  the  31st;  and 
on  that  day  the  general  appeared.  Public  feeling 
was  excited,  and  the  crowd,  on  the  tiptoe  of  expecta- 
tion, were  anxiously  waiting  to  know  what  punish- 
ment the  judge  would  think  due  to  acts,  which  al* 
agreed  had  contributed  to  the  success  of  our  cause. 
Jackson,  apprized  of  the  popular  fervour  towards 
him,  and  solicitous  that  nothing  on  his  part  should 
be  done  calculated  to  give  it  impulse,  practiced 
more  than  usual  caution  ;  and  now,  vrhen  it  had  be- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOT. 


319 


come  necessary  to  appear  in  public,  to  ward  himself 
from  crimes  imputed,  he  threw  off  his  military  cos- 
tume, and,  assuming  the  garb  of  a  citizen,  the  bet- 
ter to  disguise  himself,  entered  alone  the  hall  where 
the  court  was  sitting.  Undiscovered  amidst  the 
concourse  which  was  present,  he  had  nearly  reach- 
ed the  bar,  when,  being  perceived,  the  room  in- 
stantly rung  with  the  shouts  of  a  thousand  voices. 
Raising  himself  on  a  bench,  and  moving  his  hand 
to  procure  silence,  a  pause  ensued.  He  then  ad- 
dressed himself  to  the  crowd  ;  told  them  of  the  duty 
due  to  the  public  authorities  ;  for  that  any  impro- 
priety of  theirs  w^ould  be  imputed  to  him ;  and  urged, 
if  they  had  any  regard  for  him,  that  they  would,  on 
the  present  occasion,  forbear  those  expressions  of 
opinion.  ISilence  being  restored,  the  judge  rose 
from  his  seat,  and,  remarking  that  it  was  impossible 
to  transact  business  under  such  threatening  circum- 
stances, directed  the  marshal  to  adjourn  the  court. 
The  general  immediately  interfered,  and  requested 
that  it  might  not  be  done.  "  There  is  no  danger 
here  ;  there  shall  be  none  ;  the  same  arm,  that  pro- 
tected from  outrage  this  city,  will  shield  and  pro- 
tect this  court,  or  perish  in  the  effort."  Tins  dec 
laration  had  the  effect  to  tranquillize  the  feelings  of 
the  judge  ;  and  the  business  of  the  court  was  pro- 
ceeded with.  It  was  now  demanded  of  him  to  an- 
swer nineteen  interrogatories,  drawn  up  witli  much 
labour,  and  in  studied  form,  which  were  to  deter- 
mine as  to  his  guilt  or  innocence.  He  informed  the 
court  he  should  not  be  interrogated  ;  that,  on  a 
former  occasion,  he  had  presented  the  reasons 
which  had  influenced  his  conduct,  without  their 
producing  an  effect,  or  being  even  listened  to. 
"  You  w^ould  not  hear  my  defence,  although  you 


320  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

were  advised  it  contained  nothing  improper,  an<] 
ample  reasons  why  no  attachment  should  be  award- 
ed. Under  these  circumstances,  I  appear  before 
you,  to  receive  the  sentence  of  the  court,  having 
nothing  further  in  my  defence  to  offer. 

"  Your  honour  will  not  understand  me  as  intend- 
ing any  disrespect  to  the  court ;  but  as  no  opp  rtu- 
nity  has  been  afforded  me  of  explaining  the  rea- 
sons and  motives  by  which  I  was  influenced,  so  is 
it  expected,  that  censure  or  reproof  will  constitute 
no  part  of  that  sentence  which  you  may  imagine  it 
your  duty  to  pronounce." 

The  judge  proceeded  to  a  final  discharge  of  what 
he  conceived  was  due  to  the  offended  majesty  of 
the  laws,  and  fined  the  general  a  thousand  dollars. 

The  hall  in  v;hich  this  business  was  transacted 
was  greatly  crowded,  and  excitement  every  where 
prevailed.  No  sooner  was  the  judgment  of  the 
court  pronounced,  than  again  were  sent  forth  shouts 
of  the  people.  He  was  forcibly  hurried  from  the 
hall  to  the  streets,  amidst  reiterated  cries  of  "  Huzza 
for  Jackson  !"  from  the  immense  concourse  that  sur- 
rounded him.  They  presently  met  a  carriage  in 
which  a  lady  was  riding,  when,  politely  taking  her 
from  it,  the  general  was  made,  spite  of  entreaty,  to 
occupy  her  place :  the  horses  being  removed,  the 
carriage  was  drawn  on,  and  halted  at  the  cofTee- 
liouse,  into  which  he  was  carried,  and  thither  the 
crowd  followed,  huzzaing  for  Jackson,  and  menac- 
ing violently  the  judge.  Having  prevailed  on  them 
to  hear  him,  lie  addressed  them  with  great  earnest- 
ness ;  implored  them  to  run  into  no  excesses  ;  that, 
if  they  had  the  least  gratitude  for  his  services,  or 
regard  for  him  personally  they  could  evince  it  in 
no  way  so  satisfactorily,  as    y  assenting  as  he  most 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACRSON.  321 

freely  did,  to  the  decision  which  had  been  pro- 
nounced against  him  ;  "  that  the  civil  was  the  para- 
mount and  supreme  authority  of  the  land.  He  had 
never  pretended  to  any  thing"  else,  nor  advocated  a 
different  doctrine.  He  Iiad  departed  from  its  rules, 
because  that  they  were  too  feeble  for  the  state  of 
the  times.  By  a  resort  to  martial  law,  he  had  suc- 
ceeded in  defending  and  protecting  a  country,  wliich, 
without  it,  must  have  been  lost;  yet  under  its  provi- 
sions he  had  oppressed  no  one,  nor  extendea  them  to 
any  other  purpose  than  defence  and  safety ;  objects 
which  its  declaration  was  intended  alone  to  effect." 
''I  feel,"  continued  he,  "sensible  for  those  marks 
of  personal  regard,  which  you  have  evinced  towards 
me  ;  and  with  pleasure  remember  those  high  efforts 
of  valour  and  patriotism,  which  so  essentially  con- 
tributed to  the  defence  of  the  country.  If  recent 
events  have  shown  you  what  fearless  valour  can  ef- 
fect, it  is  a  no  less  important  truth  to  learn,  that 
submission  to  the  civil  authority  is  the  first  duty  of 
a  citizen." 

Being  at  length  relieved  from  this  warm  display 
of  regard  manifested  towards  him  for  the  exertions 
he  had  made  in  their  defence,  Jackson  retired  to 
his  quarters,  and,  giving  a  check  to  his  aid-de-camp, 
sent  him  to  discharge  the  fine  imposed,  and  to  ter- 
minate his  contest  with  the  civil  authority.  He  was 
greatly  consoled  at  learning,  through  various  re- 
spectable channels,  that  all  was  tranquil,  and  that 
against  the  judge  nothing  of  indignity  or  unkind 
ness  was  longer  meditated. 

So  riveted  was  tJie  impression,  that  the  course 
pursued  by  the  general  was  correct,  and  the  con- 
duct of  Judge  Hall  more  the  result  of  spleen  than 
any  thing  else,  t]»at  the  citizens  of  New  Orleans 


322  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON 

determined  to  ward  off  the  effect  of  his  intended 
injury,  by  discharg'ing  themselves  the  fine  imposed. 
It  was  only  necessary  to  be  tliought  of,  and  it  was 
-done.  So  numerous  were  the  persons  entertain- 
ing the  same  feelings  on  tlie  subject,  that  in  a  short 
time  the  entire  sum  was  raised  by  voluntary  con- 
tribution. The  general,  understanding  what  was  in 
agitation,  to  spare  his  own  and  their  feelings,  had 
despatched  his  aid-de-camp  to  seek  the  marshal, 
and  thereby  avoided  the  necessity  of  refusing'  a 
favour  intended  to  be  offered,  and  which  he  could 
not  have  accepted.  Without,  however,  any  knowl- 
edge of  his  wishes,  or  consulting  at  all  his  feeling-s 
on  the  subject,  they  proceeded  in  the  arrangement, 
and,  by  subscription,  the  entire  amount  was  in  a 
short  time  raised,  and  deposited  to  his  use  in  the  bank, 
and  notice  thereof  given.  But  it  v/as  not  accept- 
ed ;  though  refused  in  a  manner  the  most  delicate. 
In  reply,  he  declared  the  obligations  felt  for  this  re- 
newed evidence  of  regard  ;  and,  although  he  could 
not  accept  of  it,  yet,  as  it  w^as  the  result  of  the  most 
generous  feeling,  he  solicited  that  the  amount  might 
be  applied  to  the  relief  of  those  whose  relatives 
had  fallen  in  battle.  The  proposition  was  acceded 
to,  and  the  amount  subscribed  expressly  for  his  re 
lief  was  disposed  of  for  the  benefit  of  the  widow 
and  the  fatherless. 

Jackson  once,  concerning  the  declaration  of  mar- 
tial law,  expressed  himself  after  the  following  man- 
ner :  "  I  very  well  knew  the  extent  of  my  powerti, 
and  that  it  was  far  short  of  that  which  necessity 
and  my  situation  required.  I  determined,  therefore, 
to  venture  boldly  fortJi,  and  pursue  a  course  corre- 
cjpondent  to  the  difficulties  that  pressed  upon  me. 
T  had  an  anxious  solicitude  to  wipe  off  the  sti^u^a 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON  323 

;asl  upon  my  country  by  the  destruction  of  the  cap- 
ital. If  New  Orleans  were  taken,  I  well  knew  that 
new  difRcuhies  would  arise,  and  every  effort  be  mad« 
to  retain  it ;  and  that,  if  regained,  blood  and  treas 
are  would  be  the  sacrifice.  My  determination, 
therefore,  was  formed,  not  to  halt  at  trifles,  but  to 
lose  the  city  only  at  the  boldest  sacrifice,  and  to 
omit  nothing  that  could  assure  success.  I  was  well 
aware  that  calculating  politicians,  ignorant  of  the 
difficulties  that  surrounded  me,  would  condemn  my 
course  ;  but  this  was  not  material.  What  became 
of  me  was  of  no  consequence.  If  disaster  did 
come,  I  expected  not  to  survive  it ;  but,  if  a  successful 
defence  could  be  made,  I  felt  assured  that  my  coun- 
try, in  the  objects  attained,  would  lose  sight  of,  and 
forget  the  means  that  had  been  employed." 

The  war  being  now  ended,  it  was  necessary  to 
relieve  from  the  toils  of  the  field  those  brave  men, 
who  had  so  long  been  struggling  in  their  country'.^ 
defence.  The  necessary  measures  to  effect  this 
were  adopted.  The  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and 
Mississippi  troops  had  taken  their  departure.  Gen- 
eral Gaines  being  invested  with  the  command,  in  a 
few  days  General  Jackson  left  New  Orleans  for 
Nashville.  The  good  wishes  and  friendship  of  the 
people  followed  him ;  there  were  a  few,  however, 
who  rejoiced  at  his  departure  ;  but  thev  w?re  those 
who,  in  moments  of  peril,  had  stood  aloof  from 
danger,  or  sought  to  increase  it,  and  who,  in  the  rcr 
preaches  to  be  cast  upon  him,  expected  to  palliate 
their  own  misdeeds.  Previously  to  breaking  up 
his  encampment,  he  addressed  his  army,  and  de- 
clared the  high  sense  he  entertained  of  those  valiant 
men,  who,  with  him,  had  toiled  in  the  field,  and,  by 
perseverance    and    fidelity,    had    obtained   safety 


324  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

for  their  country,  and  distinguished  honour  for  them- 
selves. 

On  bis  return,  the  respect  of  all  was  manifested 
in  his  behalf:  all  evinced  a  partiality  for  the  man, 
whoso  signal  achievements  bad  raised  his  country 
to  a  high  and  dignified  si;anding,  and  whose  unre- 
mitting exertions  had  closed  the  war  with  a  lustra 
that  enlightened  even  the  blots  of  its  commencement. 

The  annunciation  of  the  triumphant  defence  of 
New  Orleans  was,  in  every  section  of  the  country, 
hailed  with  acclamation ;  illuminations  and  fetes 
followed  it  into  all  our  cities  and  principal  towns  ; 
and  in  all  was  it  agreed,  that  none  other  than  the 
decided  course  adopted  by  Jackson  could  have  at- 
tained so  auspicious  a  result.  The  legislatures  of 
many  of  the  states  voted  to  him  their  thanks  for 
what  he  had  done.  The  congress  of  the  United 
States  did  the  same,  and  directed  a  gold  medal  to  be 
presentedlo  him,  commemorative  of  the  event.  Ad- 
dresses from  numerous  societies  and  meetings  of  the 
people  were  forwarded,  expressive  of  their  great 
regard,  and  proclaiming  him  the  deliverer  and  sec- 
ond saviour  of  his  country. 

A  tedious  journey  of  eight  hundred  miles  brought 
him  to  Nashville,  where  he  was  gratified  with  a  mani 
festation  of  the  regard  of  his  fellow  townsmen.  An 
immense  corcourse  was  collected,  to  welcome  his 
arrival.  They  had  long  known  him  as  among  the 
number  of  their  best  and  most  respectable  citizens  ; 
but  curiosity  had  a  new  incentive :  until  now,  they 
had  not  beheld  him  as  one,  who,  to  protect  his  coun- 
try, knew  no  difficulty  too  great  to  be  encountered — 
who,  by  his  firmness  and  unconquerable  perseve- 
rance, amidst  surrounding  dangers,  had  saved  her 
from  foreign  and  intestine  foes.     An  address,  deliv 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  325 

ered  at  the  court-room,  in  behalf  of  the  citizens; 
welcomed  his  return.     Relieved  from  this  furthei 
display  of  public  confidence,  the  more  grateful,  be 
cause  from  those  who  were  his  acquaintances,  neigh 
hours,  and  friends,  he  retired  home,  to  repair  a  bro 
ken  constitution,  and  to  enjoy  that  repose,  to  which, 
for  eighteen  months,  he  had  been  a  stranger. 

Early  in  the  congressional  session  of  1820,  sev- 
eral propositions  were  made  for  the  reduction  of 
the  army,  which,  however,  were  not  decided  upon. 
On  the  9th  of  January,  1821,  the  subject  was  again 
revived  ;  and  on  the  5th  of  March,  following,  by 
an  act  of  congress,  approved  by  the  president,  the 
reduction  was  effected.  By  this  law,  only  one  ma 
jor-general  was  retained,  and,  as  General  Jackson 
was  not  the  senior  commissioned  general,  his  com- 
mission was  annulled,  and,  by  courtesy,  his  senior 
was  retained.  All  commissioned  officers  were  al- 
lowed three  months'  pay,  after  their  commissions 
were  returned.  Previous  to  this,  as  early  as  the 
preceding  January,  the  news  of  the  ratification  of 
the  Florida  treaty,  by  the  Spanish  cortes,  had  been 
received.  On  the  3d  of  January,  Mr.  Stanbury, 
the  diplomatic  agent,  arrived  at  Philadelphia,  in  the 
Pleiades,  with  an  authenticated  copy  of  the  treaty  for 
the  re-ratification  of  the  senate,  which  had  become 
necessary,  as  the  time  allowed  to  Spain  to  signify 
her  acceptance  of  the  instrument  had  expired  be- 
fore this  acceptance  was  declared.  The  senate,  on 
the  9th  of  February,  1821,  considered  the  subject, 
and  gave  their  sanction  anew  to  the  instrument,  which 
was  finally  confirmed  on  the  22d.  By  this, advan- 
tageous treaty.  East  and  West  Florida  were  ceded 
to  the  United  States,  and  provision  made  for  indem- 
nifying American  citizens  for  Spanish  spoliations, 
23 


326  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

by  paying  five  millions  of  dollars,  the  amount  agreed 
upon  as  the  purchase  money,  directly  to  the  claim- 
ants. 

On  the  1st  of  March,  1821,  a  bill  passed,  autho- 
rizing the  president  to  take  possession  of  the  newly- 
acquired  territory.  Three  days  after  this,  March  5th, 
Mr.  Monroe  was  sworn  to  his  second  term  of  office, 
and  one  of  the  earliest  and  most  important  du- 
ties that  devolved  upon  him  was  the  appointment  of 
a  person  suitably  qualified  to  take  possession  of  the 
Floridas.  Various  conjectures  were  abroad,  in  re- 
lation to  the  individual  upon  whom  this  honour 
would  be  conferred.  Mr.  Monroe  very  judiciously 
fixed  his  eye  on  the  man  whose  patriotic  exertions 
had  been  so  instrumental  in  bringing  the  war  in 
that  very  region  to  a  successful  termination.  On 
the  loth  of  March,  therefore.  General  Jackson's 
appointment,  as  governor  of  the  Floridas,  with  a 
salary  of  five  thousand  dollars  a  year,  was  officially 
announced. 

Soon  after  being  notified  of  his  appointment,  he 
commenced  his  journey  towards  his  place  of  desti- 
nation. 

On  the  23d  of  April,  he  left  New  Orleans  for 
Pensacola,  having  received  the  greatest  attention 
from  the  municipal  authorities  in  the  very  theatre  of 
his  former  warlike  exploits.  The  hospitality  of 
individuals,  and  the  general  expression  of  the  peo- 
ple of  New  Orleans,  were  calculated  to  call  forth 
the  liveliest  feelings  of  gratitude. 

There  was  considerable  delay,  on  the  part  of  the 
Spanish  authorities,  in  delivering  up  the  territories. 
This  resulted  from  their  prejudices  against  the 
United  States,  and  their  disapprobation  of  the  treaty 
requiring  the  transfer. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  327 

On  the  7th  of  July,  1821,  Governor  Croppinger, 
by  proclamation,  formally  delivered  East  Florida  tu 
Colonel  Robert  Butler,  the  properly  authorized  com- 
missioner. General  Jackson,  though  not  present, 
was  in  the  vicinity,  making  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments for  the  government  of  both.  Ten  days  af- 
ter this,  July  17th,  West  Florida  was  delivered  to 
Governor  Jackson  in  due  form.  Thus  the  whole  of 
the  newly-acquired  territory  was  placed  under  his  ' 
control  as  governor-general.  When  the  proper 
course  had  been  adopted  for  the  happiness  of  all  class- 
es, he  issued  a  proclamation  of  a  paternal  character, 
defining  the  policy  of  the  government,  and  pointing 
out  the  duties  of  the  people  in  their  new  relation. 

After  the  satisfactory  termination  of  the  great 
business  of  receiving  the  Floridas,  he  made  an  ex- 
cursion to  New  Orleans,  and,  on  the  11th  of  Au- 
gust, delivered  a  valedictory  address  to  the  re- 
mainder of  the  conquering  army,  then  on  the  point 
of  being  disbanded.  In  this  speech,  which  breath- 
ed the  sentiments  of  affectionate  regard  towards 
those  brave  men,  wiio  had  aided  him  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  so  many  perilous  undertakings,  for 
the  glory  and  honour  of  their  country,  he  made 
known  that  his  career,  as  commander  in  chief  of 
the  southern  division  of  the  American  army,  was 
then  terminated.  Again  w^e  find  him,  at  the  close 
of  August,  at  St.  Augustine.  On  the  1st  day  of 
September,  Governor  Jackson  promulgated  the 
names  of  those  whom  he  had  appointed  for  the  civil 
government  of  East  Florida.  There  was  much 
contention,  about  this  time,  relative  to  the  Spanish 
archives,  which  resulted  in  some  unpleasant  persona] 
feelings  between  the  governor  and  Judge  Fromentin 
Urgent  measures,  on  the  part  of  Governor  lackson, 


328  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON- 

were  highly  necessary,  and  hence  he  issued  a  proc- 
lamation, which  obliged  the  Spanish  officers  to  leave 
the  territories  at  a  specified  period.  Against  this 
Governor  Croppinger,  together  with  the  offended 
officers,  made  a  remonstrance.  Croppinger,  partic- 
ularly, protested  against  the  seizure  of  the  public 
papers,  &.c.  The  details  of  this  occurrence  our 
limits  will  not  permit  us  to  narrate.  It  is  certain, 
however,  that  there  were  intriguers  in  the  territo- 
ries, and  various  misrepresentations,  touching  the 
administration  of  the  newly-formed  government, 
which,  probably,  induced  Governor  Jackson  to  re- 
sign a  power,  which  could  not  contribute  to  his 
own  happiness,  or  increase  his  sphere  of  useful- 
ness. 

On  the  8th  of  September,  Governor  Jackson, 
then  at  Pensacola,  made  known  his  intention  of  vis- 
iting Tennessee  with  his  family.  This  was  no 
sooner  understood,  than  he  was  invited  to  a  pub- 
lic dinner  by  the  inhabitants.  On  that  occasion, 
every  demonstration  of  respect  was  shown  to  the 
distinguished  and  successful  warrior.  To  the  sur- 
prise and  regret  of  an  increasing  circle  of  friends, 
who  knew  how  to  appreciate  his  talents,  he  made  a 
farewell  address  to  the  people  of  the  Floridas.  In 
the  course  of  his  speech,  he  remarked  that  he 
should  not  return  again,  unless  some  unexpected 
event  should  render  it  necessary. 

Soon  after  the  meeting  of  the  seventeenth  con- 
gress, on  the  29th  of  the  following  December,Gover- 
nor  Jackson,  having  discharged  with  fidelity  and  suc- 
cess the  duties  of  his  appointment,  tendered  to  the 
Dresident  his  resignation. 

Scarcely  thirty  days  had  elapsed  from  the  time  of 
hiS  resignation  of  tlie  goverument  of  the  FloridaS; 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     JACKSON.  329 

Defore  he  was  honoured  by  Mr.  Monroe  with  an 
other  appointment  of  higher  political  consequence 
January  23d,  1823,  GeneralJackson  was  appointed 
envoy  extraordinary  and  minister  plenipotentiary  to 
the  government  of  Mexico.  As  an  evidence  that 
he  had  no  knowledge  of  the  intentions  of  the  ex- 
ecutive, we  find,  on  the  1st  of  the  following  March, 
in  a  respectful  manner,  he  declined  the  offered 
mission.  It  has  been  generally  understood  that 
this  was  in  consequence  of  the  unsettled  and  dis- 
tracted state  of  Mexico,  then  under  the  control  of 
Iturbide,  who  had  declared  himself  emperor.  The 
true  motive,  however,  for  declining  the  proffered 
honour,  is  to  be  found  in  the  general's  own  words  : 
"  From  the  present  revolutionary  state  of  Mexico, 
the  appearance  of  an  Amencan  envoy,  with  cre- 
dentials to  the  tyrant  Iturbide,  might  add  to  his 
strength,  and  thereby  aid  him  in  riveting  the  chains 
of  despotism  upon  that  country,  which  of  right 
ought  to  be  free.  To  be  the  instrument  of  tyranny^ 
however  innocent  on  my  part,  I  could  not  recon- 
cile to  my  feelings.  With  these  views,  and  other  rea- 
sons, which  I  have  communicated  to  Mr.  Monroe,  I 
have  declined  accepting  the  mission  to  Mexico." 
But  a  short  time  after,  May  13th,  the  Mexican  em- 
peror abdicated  his  throne,  and  made  the  best  of 
his  way  from  a  country,  which  he  had  brought  to 
the  verge  of  ruin. 

General  Jackson  now  retired  to  the  quietude  of 
private  life,  and,  in  the  circle  of  his  own  family, 
sought  that  rest  from  the  fatigues  and  countless 
anxieties  of  a  military  life,  which  his  exhausted 
frame  and  spirits  so  obviously  required.  The  con- 
fidence, however,  which  the  citizens  of  Tennessee 
aad  in  his  talents  and  wisdom,  was  again  manifest 
28* 


330  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSOX. 

ed  in  electing  him  a  senator  to  the  eighteenth  con- 
gress-which  assembled  in  December,  1823;  and 
once  more  he  resigned  the  endearments  of  home  to 
mingle  in  the  councils  of  the  nation.  On  his  route 
from  Nashville  to  Washington,  he  was  greeted  by 
the  most  enthusiastic  applause.  The  citizens  of 
Knoxville,  in  a  special  manner,  honoured  their  cel- 
ebrated guest  with  a  public  dinner,  and  exhibited, 
in  the  strongest  language,  and  in  the  most  unequiv- 
ocal liospitality,that  they  considered  him  a  man  of  ex- 
traordinary talents,  whose  past  services  entitled  hira 
to  the  admiration  and  confidence  of  his  country. 

During  the  session  of  congress,  he  entered  w^ith 
spirited  interest  into  the  general  business  of  the 
nation,  and  was  frequently  on  some  of  the  most  im- 
portant committees.  As  indefatigable  in  the  sen- 
ate as  in  military  command,  he  found  that  such  un- 
remitted attention  to  public  affairs,  as  his  duty  re- 
quired, lo  sustain  the  dignity  of  the  station,  was  al- 
together too  severe  for  the  delicate  state  of  his 
health.  The  political  horizon,  also,  now  began  to 
preseiit  a  different  aspect,  and  the  circumstance  of 
his  being  a  candidate  for  the  presidential  chair, 
without  doubt,  influenced  him,  to  a  considerable  ex- 
tent, in  resigning  his  seat  in  the  senate.  Soon  af- 
ter the  close  of  the  session,  he  made  known  to  his 
constituents  the  determination,  and,  in  a  few  weeks, 
it  was  announced,  to  the  sincere  regret  of  all  who 
knew  the  integrity  of  his  character. 

In  the  person  of  General  Jackson  is  perceived 
nothing  of  the  robust  or  elegant.  He  is  six  feet 
and  an  inch  high,  remarkably  straight  and  spare, 
and  w^eighs  not  more  than  a  hundred  and  forty-five 
pounds.  His  conformation  appears  to  disqualify 
him  for  hardship ;  yet,  accustomed  to  it  from  early 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    JACKSON.  331 

life,  few  are  capable  of  enduring  fatigue  to  the 
same  extent,  or  with  less  injury.  His  dark  blue 
eyes,  with  brows  arched  and  slightly  projecting, 
possess  a  marked  expression ;  but  when,  from  any 
cause,  excited,  they  sparkle  with  peculiar  lustre  and 
penetration.  In  his  manners  he  is  pleasing — in  his 
address  commanding  ;  while  his  countenance,  mark- 
ed with  firmness  and  decision,  beams  with  a  strength 
and  intelligence  that  strikes  at  first  sight.  In  his 
deportment  there  is  nothing  repulsive.  Easy,  af- 
fable, and  familiar,  he  is  accessible  to  all.  Influ- 
enced by  the  belief,  that  merit  should  constitute  the 
only  difference  in  men,  his  attention  is  equally  be- 
stowed on  honest  poverty  as  on  titled  consequence. 
No  man,  however  inconsiderable  his  standing,  ever 
approached  him  on  business,  that  he  did  not  patient- 
ly listen  to  his  story,  and  afford  him  all  the  informa- 
tion in  his  power.  His  moral  character  is  without 
reproach,  and  by  those  who  know  him  most  inti- 
mately he  is  most  esteemed.  Benevolence  in  him 
is  a  prominent  virtue.  He  was  never  known  to  pass 
distress  without  seeking  to  assist  and  to  relieve  it. 
It  is  imputed  to  him,  that  he  derives  from  his 
birth  a  temper  irritable  and  hasty,  which  has  had 
the  effect  to  create  enemies,  and  involve  him  in  dis- 
putes. In  Jackson,  however,  these  defects  of  char- 
acter exist  to  an  extent  as  limited  as  with  most 
men  ;  and  the  world  is  in  error  in  presuming  him  un- 
der a  too  high  control  of  feeling  and  passion.  A  fix- 
ed devotion  to  those  principles  which  honour  sanc- 
tions, renders  him  scrupulously  attentive  to  his 
promises  and  engagements  of  every  description^ 
Preserving  system  in  his  moneyed  transactions,  his 
fiscal  arrangements  are  made  to  correspond  with 
his  resources,  and  hence  his  every  engagement  ia 


332  LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON. 

relation  to  such  subjects  is  met  with  marked  punc- 
tuality, not  for  the  reason  that  he  is  a  man  of  ex- 
traordinary wealth,  but  rather  because  he  has  meth- 
od, and  with  a  view  to  his  resources,  regulates 
properly  his  balance  of  trade. 

No  man  has  been  more  misconceived  in  charac 
ter.  Many,  on  becoming  acquainted  with  him,  have 
been  heard  to  admit  the  previous  opinions  which 
they  had  entertained,  and  how  great  had  been  their 
mistake.  Rough  in  appearance,  positive  and  over- 
bearing in  his  manner,  aie  what  all,  upon  a  first  in- 
troduction, expect  to  find ;  and  yet  none  are  pos 
sessed  of  milder  manners,  or  of  more  conciliating 
address.  The  public  situations  in  which  he  has 
been  placed,  and  the  circumstances  which  surround- 
ed him,  are  doubtless  the  cause  that  those  opinions 
have  become  so  prevalent ;  but  they  are  opinions 
v/hich  an  acquaintance  with  him  tends  to  remove. 
The  difficulties  under  which  he  laboured  at  New  Or- 
leans were  such  as  might  well  have  perplexed,  and 
thrown  the  mind  sside  from  every  thing  of  mildness. 

Light  and  trif^xiig  pleasantries  often  mark  char- 
acter as  distinctly  as  things  of  consequence.  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  one  day  during  the  siege  of  New  Or- 
leans, was  approached  by  an  officer  of  the  militia, 
who  stated  his  desire  to  leave  the  service,  and  re- 
turn home  ;  for  that  he  was  made  game  o/",  and 
called  by  the  company  Pewter  Foot,  He  manifest* 
ed  great  concern,  and  an  anxious  desire  to  be  re- 
lieved from  his  unpleasant  situation.  The  general, 
svith  much  apparent  sympathy  for  him,  replied,  that 
he  had  ascertained  there  was  a  practice  in  the  camp 
of  giving  nick-names  ;  and  had  understood,  too, 
that  very  many  had  dared  to  call  him  Old  Hickory: 
"  Now,"  said  he,  "  if  you  prefer  mine,  I  am  willing 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   JACKSON.  333 

to  exchange  ;  if  not,  remain  contented,  and  perform 
your  duty  faithfully,  and,  as  soon  as  we  can  get  clear 
of  those  troublesome  British,  our  wrongs  shall  be 
inquired  into  by  a  court-martial,  and  the  authors 
punished  ;  for  then,  and  not  till  then,  shall  we  have 
an  end  of  those  insults."  The  effect  was  happy, 
and  induced  the  complaining  officer  to  retire,  per- 
fectly satisfied  to  learn,  that  his  grievance  would 
be  united  with  the  general's,  and  both  ere  long  be 
effectually  redressed. 

General  Jackson  possesses  ambition,  but  it  rests 
on  virtue  ;  an  ambition,  which,  regulated  by  a  high 
sense  of  honourable  feeling,  leads  him  to  desire 
"  that  applause  which  follows  good  actions — not 
that  which  is  run  afler."  No  man  is  more  ready  to 
hear  and  to  respect  the  opinions  of  others,  and  none, 
where  much  is  at  stake,  and  at  conflict  with  his 
own,  less  disposed  to  be  under  their  influence. 
He  has  never  been  known  to  call  a  council  of  war, 
whose  decisions,  when  made,  were  to  shield  him 
from  responsibility  or  censure.  His  council  of  war, 
if  doubting  himself,  was  a  few  officers,  in  whom  he 
fully  confided,  whose  advice  was  regarded,  if  their 
reasons  were  conclusive  ;  but,  these  not  being  satis- 
factory, he  at  once  adopted  and  pursued  the  course 
suggested  by  his  own  mind. 

At  the  battle  of  Tohopeka,  an  infant  was  found 
pressed  to  the  bosom  of  its  lifeless  mother.  This 
ciri#mstance  being  made  known  to  General  Jack- 
son, he  became  interested  for  the  child,  directed  it 
to  be  brought  to  him,  and  sought  to  prevail  on  some 
of  the  Indian  women  to  take  care  of  and  rear  it. 
They  signified  their  unwillingness  to  do  so.  stating 
that,  inasmuch  as  all  its  relations  had  fallen  in  bat- 
tle, they  thoug-ht  it  best  it  should  be  killed.     The 


334  LIFE    OP    GENERAL    JACKSON. 

general,  after  this  disclosure,  determined  he  would 
not  intrust  it  with  them,  but  became  himself  the 
protector  of  the  child.  Bestowing  on  the  infant 
the  name  of  Lincoier,  he  adopted  it  into  his  family, 
and  has  ever  since  manifested  the  liveliest  zeal  to- 
wards it,  prompted  by  benevolence,  and  because, 
perhaps,  its  fate  bore  a  strong  resemblance  to  his 
own,  who,  in  early  life,  and  from  the  ravages  of 
war,  was  left  in  the  world  forlorn  and  wretched, 
v.-ithout  friends  to  assist,  or  near  relations  to  direct 
him  on  his  course. 

Thus  we  have  traced  the  private  and  public  life  of 
the  man,  who  is  rightly  denominated  the  Htro  of 
JWw  Orleans. 

General  Jackson  continues  to  reside  on  his  es- 
tate in  Nashville,  Tennessee,  surrounded  by  an  agree- 
able circle  of  intellectual  friends,  in  the  possession 
of  no  office,  but  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  richest  bless- 
ings of  Divine  Providence, — a  moderate  fortune, 
sound  health,  and  a  good  conscience. 

The  author  has  not  adverted  to  the  many  popu- 
lar efforts  in  the  United  States  to  raise  General 
Jackson  to  the  first  office  in  the  nation,  nor  related 
the  flattering  reception  of  the  conqueror,  on  the  8th 
of  January,  1828,  on  the  battle-ground  of  New  Or- 
leans, the  scene  of  those  great  achievements,  which 
furnish  a  brilliant  page  to  the  history  of  his  country. 
Time  v/ill  develope  his  future  destiny, — whether  he 
will  yet  be  the  chief  magistrate  of  a  great  re|fcb- 
lic,  or  whether  his  name  will  go  down  to  posteri- 
ty, simply  as  one  of  the  most  distinguished  warriors 
and  disinterested  patriots  of  the  age. 

FINIS. 


9 


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